Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs El Paso 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
El Paso, TX
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $1,050/mo (15% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
El Paso
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$7,155
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,050
Groceries (est.)
$380
$346Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$40Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$175
Internet
$40Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$6,175/month
$5,484/month
Both Phnom Penh and El Paso have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

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 El Paso?

At $120K/year in El Paso, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 15% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

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

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,175/month vs $5,484/month in El Paso.

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 El Paso

$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