Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Colorado Springs 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.

Phnom Penh, KH
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (5% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Colorado Springs, CO
$6,715/mo take-home
Rent: $1,500/mo (22% of take-home)
Comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Colorado Springs
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$6,715
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,500
Groceries (est.)
$380
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$55Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$145
Internet
$40Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$6,175/month
$4,578/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Colorado Springs (CO rate: 4.4%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $120K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 5% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Colorado Springs?

At $120K/year in Colorado Springs, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,715. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 22% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

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

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,175/month vs $4,578/month in Colorado Springs.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 5% of your take-home, leaving $6,175/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Colorado Springs

$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