Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Des Moines on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Phnom Penh, KH
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Des Moines, IA
$2,538/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (47% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Des Moines
IA
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,728Best ✓
$2,538
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,200
Groceries (est.)
$380
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$50Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$155
Internet
$40Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$1,748/month
$708/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Des Moines (IA rate: 5.7%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $40K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $40K a good salary in Des Moines?

At $40K/year in Des Moines, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,538. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 47% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,748/month vs $708/month in Des Moines.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $40K?

Yes. At $40K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 13% of your take-home, leaving $1,748/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Des Moines

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$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