Can I Afford to Live in Lakeland vs Phnom Penh 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.

Lakeland, FL
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $1,450/mo (20% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Phnom Penh, KH
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Lakeland
FL
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$7,155
1BR rent
$1,450
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$361Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$45Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$195
$60Best ✓
Internet
$62
$40Best ✓
Left after essentials
$5,042/month
$6,175/month
Both Lakeland and Phnom Penh have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Lakeland?

At $120K/year in Lakeland, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $1,450/month, rent takes up 20% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $120K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 5% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,175/month vs $5,042/month in Lakeland.

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

Yes. At $120K in Lakeland, rent takes 20% of your take-home, leaving $5,042/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Lakeland vs Phnom Penh

$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