Can I Afford to Live in Knoxville vs Phnom Penh 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.

Knoxville, TN
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $1,300/mo (26% of take-home)
Comfortable
Phnom Penh, KH
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Knoxville
TN
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,057Best ✓
$5,057
1BR rent
$1,300
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$45Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$168
$60Best ✓
Internet
$60
$40Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,123/month
$4,077/month
Both Knoxville and Phnom Penh have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Knoxville?

At $80K/year in Knoxville, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $80K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $80K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 7% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,077/month vs $3,123/month in Knoxville.

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

Yes. At $80K in Knoxville, rent takes 26% of your take-home, leaving $3,123/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Knoxville vs Phnom Penh

$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