Can I Afford to Live in El Paso vs Durham on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | El Paso TX | Durham NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $5,057 | $4,757 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,750 |
| Groceries (est.) | $346 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $40 | $82 |
| Utilities | $175 | $155 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $3,386/month | $2,336/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in El Paso?
At $80K/year in El Paso, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $80K a good salary in Durham?
At $80K/year in Durham, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,757. With 1BR rent around $1,750/month, rent takes up 37% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
El Paso leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,386/month vs $2,336/month in Durham.
Can I afford to live alone in El Paso on $80K?
Yes. At $80K in El Paso, rent takes 21% of your take-home, leaving $3,386/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