Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Oaxaca on $50K?

Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Columbia, SC
$2,902/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (43% of take-home)
Tight
Oaxaca, MX
$3,160/mo take-home
Rent: $400/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Columbia
SC
Oaxaca
MX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,902
$3,160Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,250
$400Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$45Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$152
$45Best ✓
Internet
$60
$25Best ✓
Left after essentials
$1,034/month
$2,160/month
Oaxaca (Oaxaca) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbia (SC rate: 6.2%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $50K a good salary in Columbia?

At $50K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,902. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 43% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Is $50K a good salary in Oaxaca?

At $50K/year in Oaxaca, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $400/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?

Oaxaca leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,160/month vs $1,034/month in Columbia.

Can I afford to live alone in Columbia on $50K?

It's tight. Rent in Columbia would take 43% of your $50K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Columbia vs Oaxaca

$40K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

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