Can I Afford to Live in Durham vs Houston 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 | Durham NC | Houston TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,705 | $7,155 |
| 1BR rent | $1,750 | $1,350 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $357 |
| Transport (est.) | $82 | $90 |
| Utilities | $155 | $175 |
| Internet | $62 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $4,284/month | $5,118/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Durham?
At $120K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,705. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Houston?
At $120K/year in Houston, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Houston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,118/month vs $4,284/month in Durham.
Can I afford to live alone in Durham on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Durham, rent takes 26% of your take-home, leaving $4,284/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