Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Boulder on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbia SC | Boulder CO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,643 | $4,763 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $2,300 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $414 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $80 |
| Utilities | $152 | $138 |
| Internet | $60 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,775/month | $1,763/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Columbia?
At $80K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,643. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $80K a good salary in Boulder?
At $80K/year in Boulder, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,763. With 1BR rent around $2,300/month, rent takes up 48% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Columbia leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,775/month vs $1,763/month in Boulder.
Can I afford to live alone in Columbia on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in Columbia, rent takes 27% of your take-home, leaving $2,775/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