Can I Afford to Live in Lafayette vs Amarillo 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.

Lafayette, LA
$6,725/mo take-home
Rent: $1,100/mo (16% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Amarillo, TX
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $950/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Lafayette
LA
Amarillo
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,725
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,100
$950Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361
$346Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$42
$38Best ✓
Utilities
$208
$170Best ✓
Internet
$58Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$4,956/month
$5,591/month
Amarillo (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Lafayette (LA rate: 4.3%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Lafayette?

At $120K/year in Lafayette, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,725. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Amarillo?

At $120K/year in Amarillo, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $950/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Amarillo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,591/month vs $4,956/month in Lafayette.

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

Yes. At $120K in Lafayette, rent takes 16% of your take-home, leaving $4,956/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Lafayette vs Amarillo

$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