Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Fayetteville on $50K?

Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Phnom Penh, KH
$3,160/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (11% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Fayetteville, NC
$2,973/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (40% of take-home)
Tight

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Fayetteville
NC
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,160Best ✓
$2,973
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,200
Groceries (est.)
$380
$353Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$42Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$148
Internet
$40Best ✓
$58
Left after essentials
$2,180/month
$1,172/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Fayetteville (NC rate: 4.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $50K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $50K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,160. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 11% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $50K a good salary in Fayetteville?

At $50K/year in Fayetteville, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,973. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 40% of your take-home. That's considered tight.

Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,180/month vs $1,172/month in Fayetteville.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $50K?

Yes. At $50K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 11% of your take-home, leaving $2,180/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Fayetteville

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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