Can I Afford to Live in Hanoi vs Thessaloniki 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.

Hanoi, VN
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $450/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Thessaloniki, GR
$4,955/mo take-home
Rent: $590/mo (12% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Hanoi
VN
Thessaloniki
GR
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$4,955
1BR rent
$450Best ✓
$590
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$50Best ✓
$88
Internet
$15Best ✓
$32
Left after essentials
$6,110/month
$3,715/month
Hanoi (Hanoi) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Thessaloniki (GR rate: 22%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Hanoi?

At $120K/year in Hanoi, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $450/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Thessaloniki?

At $120K/year in Thessaloniki, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,955. With 1BR rent around $590/month, rent takes up 12% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Hanoi leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,110/month vs $3,715/month in Thessaloniki.

Can I afford to live alone in Hanoi on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Hanoi, rent takes 6% of your take-home, leaving $6,110/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Hanoi vs Thessaloniki

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$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