Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs San Antonio on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Columbia, MO
$8,356/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable
San Antonio, TX
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (12% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Columbia
MO
San Antonio
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,356
$8,944Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,250
$1,100Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$365
$353Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$45Best ✓
$48
Utilities
$158Best ✓
$175
Internet
$60Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$6,478/month
$7,208/month
San Antonio (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbia (MO rate: 4.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Columbia?

At $150K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,356. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in San Antonio?

At $150K/year in San Antonio, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 12% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

San Antonio leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,208/month vs $6,478/month in Columbia.

Can I afford to live alone in Columbia on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Columbia, rent takes 15% of your take-home, leaving $6,478/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Columbia vs San Antonio

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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