Can I Afford to Live in Columbia vs Waco 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbia SC | Waco TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $2,522 | $2,728 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,000 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $350 |
| Transport (est.) | $45 | $38 |
| Utilities | $152 | $172 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $654/month | $1,108/month |
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 Waco?
At $40K/year in Waco, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,000/month, rent takes up 37% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?
Waco leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,108/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.
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