Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Madison on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbia MO | Madison WI |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,447 | $4,259 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,650 |
| Groceries (est.) | $365 | $384 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $62 |
| Utilities | $158 | $162 |
| Internet | $60 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,569/month | $1,938/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in Columbia?
At $75K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,447. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $75K a good salary in Madison?
At $75K/year in Madison, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,259. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 39% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
Columbia leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,569/month vs $1,938/month in Madison.
Can I afford to live alone in Columbia on $75K?
Yes. At $75K in Columbia, rent takes 28% of your take-home, leaving $2,569/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only