Can I Afford to Live in Fort Worth vs Columbia on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Fort Worth, TX
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (51% of take-home)
Difficult
Columbia, SC
$2,522/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (50% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Expense
Fort Worth
TX
Columbia
SC
Monthly take-home (est.)$2,728$2,522
1BR rent$1,400$1,250
Groceries (est.)$365$361
Transport (est.)$50$45
Utilities$180$152
Internet$68$60
Left after essentials$665/month$654/month
Fort Worth (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Columbia (SC rate: 6.2%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Fort Worth?

At $40K/year in Fort Worth, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 51% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Columbia?

At $40K/year in Columbia, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,522. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 50% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Fort Worth leaves you with more money after core expenses — $665/month vs $654/month in Columbia.

Can I afford to live alone in Fort Worth on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Fort Worth would take 51% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Fort Worth vs Columbia

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$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