Can I Afford to Live in Houston vs Belgrade 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.

Houston, TX
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $1,350/mo (27% of take-home)
Comfortable
Belgrade, RS
$4,390/mo take-home
Rent: $550/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Houston
TX
Belgrade
RS
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$4,390
1BR rent
$1,350
$550Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$357Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$175
$80Best ✓
Internet
$65
$20Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,020/month
$3,210/month
Houston (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Belgrade (RS rate: 10%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Houston?

At $80K/year in Houston, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $80K a good salary in Belgrade?

At $80K/year in Belgrade, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,390. With 1BR rent around $550/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Belgrade leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,210/month vs $3,020/month in Houston.

Can I afford to live alone in Houston on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Houston, rent takes 27% of your take-home, leaving $3,020/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Houston vs Belgrade

$40K$50K$60K$75K$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