Can I Afford to Live in Montgomery vs Fargo 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 | Montgomery AL | Fargo ND |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,655 | $6,905 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $353 | $369 |
| Transport (est.) | $38 | $50 |
| Utilities | $170 | $155 |
| Internet | $58 | $65 |
| Left after essentials | $4,986/month | $5,016/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Montgomery?
At $120K/year in Montgomery, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,655. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 16% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Fargo?
At $120K/year in Fargo, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,905. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 18% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Fargo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,016/month vs $4,986/month in Montgomery.
Can I afford to live alone in Montgomery on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Montgomery, rent takes 16% of your take-home, leaving $4,986/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