Can I Afford to Live in Philadelphia vs Syracuse on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Philadelphia PA | Syracuse NY |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,850 | $4,597 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,200 |
| Groceries (est.) | $391 | $376 |
| Transport (est.) | $96 | $65 |
| Utilities | $160 | $180 |
| Internet | $65 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,138/month | $2,713/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Philadelphia?
At $80K/year in Philadelphia, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,850. With 1BR rent around $2,000/month, rent takes up 41% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in Syracuse?
At $80K/year in Syracuse, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,597. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Syracuse leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,713/month vs $2,138/month in Philadelphia.
Can I afford to live alone in Philadelphia on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Philadelphia would take 41% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
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