Can I Afford to Live in Columbus vs Durham on $60K?
Here's how a $60K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbus OH | Durham NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $3,643 | $3,568 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,750 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $82 |
| Utilities | $155 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,755/month | $1,147/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $60K a good salary in Columbus?
At $60K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,643. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 34% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $60K a good salary in Durham?
At $60K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,568. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 49% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $60K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,755/month vs $1,147/month in Durham.
Can I afford to live alone in Columbus on $60K?
Yes. At $60K in Columbus, rent takes 34% of your take-home, leaving $1,755/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