Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Phoenix 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbia SC | Phoenix AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,169 | $8,631 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,500 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $369 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $64 |
| Utilities | $152 | $210 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $6,301/month | $6,428/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Columbia?
At $150K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,169. 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 Phoenix?
At $150K/year in Phoenix, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,631. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Phoenix leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,428/month vs $6,301/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 $6,301/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