Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Phnom Penh on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Columbia, SC
$2,522/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult
Phnom Penh, KH
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Columbia
SC
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,522
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,250
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$45Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$152
$60Best ✓
Internet
$60
$40Best ✓
Left after essentials
$654/month
$1,748/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbia (SC rate: 6.2%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Columbia?

At $40K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,522. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 50% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $40K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,748/month vs $654/month in Columbia.

Can I afford to live alone in Columbia on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Columbia would take 50% of your $40K 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 Phnom Penh

$50K$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