Can I Afford to Live in Penang vs Charleston 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 | Penang MY | Charleston SC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,155 | $6,535 |
| 1BR rent | $460 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $376 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $55 |
| Utilities | $55 | $162 |
| Internet | $22 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $6,088/month | $3,979/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Penang?
At $120K/year in Penang, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $460/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Charleston?
At $120K/year in Charleston, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,535. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Penang leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,088/month vs $3,979/month in Charleston.
Can I afford to live alone in Penang on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Penang, rent takes 6% of your take-home, leaving $6,088/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