Can I Afford to Live in Houston vs St. Louis 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 | Houston TX | St. Louis MO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,155 | $6,685 |
| 1BR rent | $1,350 | $1,300 |
| Groceries (est.) | $357 | $369 |
| Transport (est.) | $90 | $75 |
| Utilities | $175 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $5,118/month | $4,719/month |
Frequently asked questions
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.
Is $120K a good salary in St. Louis?
At $120K/year in St. Louis, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,685. With 1BR rent around $1,300/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 $4,719/month in St. Louis.
Can I afford to live alone in Houston on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Houston, rent takes 19% of your take-home, leaving $5,118/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