Can I Afford to Live in New York vs Warsaw 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.

New York, NY
$6,465/mo take-home
Rent: $3,500/mo (54% of take-home)
Difficult
Warsaw, PL
$5,455/mo take-home
Rent: $750/mo (14% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

New York
NY
Warsaw
PL
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,465Best ✓
$5,455
1BR rent
$3,500
$750Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$437
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$132Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$180
$95Best ✓
Internet
$75
$20Best ✓
Left after essentials
$2,141/month
$4,060/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in New York?

At $120K/year in New York, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,465. With 1BR rent around $3,500/month, rent takes up 54% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $120K a good salary in Warsaw?

At $120K/year in Warsaw, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,455. With 1BR rent around $750/month, rent takes up 14% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Warsaw leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,060/month vs $2,141/month in New York.

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

It's tight. Rent in New York would take 54% of your $120K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — New York vs Warsaw

$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