Can I Afford to Live in Columbus vs Phnom Penh on $120K?

Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Columbus, GA
$6,605/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (17% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Phnom Penh, KH
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Columbus
GA
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,605
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,100
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$353Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$40Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$160
$60Best ✓
Internet
$58
$40Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,894/month
$6,175/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbus (GA rate: 5.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Columbus?

At $120K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,605. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $120K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 5% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,175/month vs $4,894/month in Columbus.

Can I afford to live alone in Columbus on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Columbus, rent takes 17% of your take-home, leaving $4,894/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Columbus vs Phnom Penh

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$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