Can I Afford to Live in Columbus vs Tempe 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Columbus OH | Tempe AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,855 | $6,905 |
| 1BR rent | $1,250 | $1,600 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $380 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $55 |
| Utilities | $155 | $210 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $4,967/month | $4,598/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Columbus?
At $120K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,855. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 18% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Tempe?
At $120K/year in Tempe, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,905. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,967/month vs $4,598/month in Tempe.
Can I afford to live alone in Columbus on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Columbus, rent takes 18% of your take-home, leaving $4,967/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