Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Anchorage on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Phnom Penh, KH
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Anchorage, AK
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (28% of take-home)
Manageable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Anchorage
AK
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,321Best ✓
$6,321
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,800
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$391
Transport (est.)
$150
$45Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$165
Internet
$40Best ✓
$90
Left after essentials
$5,341/month
$3,830/month
Both Phnom Penh and Anchorage have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $100K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Anchorage?

At $100K/year in Anchorage, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,341/month vs $3,830/month in Anchorage.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 6% of your take-home, leaving $5,341/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Anchorage

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$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