Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Milwaukee 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
Milwaukee, WI
$2,840/mo take-home
Rent: $1,350/mo (48% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Milwaukee
WI
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,160Best ✓
$2,840
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,350
Groceries (est.)
$380
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$72Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$168
Internet
$40Best ✓
$63
Left after essentials
$2,180/month
$815/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Milwaukee (WI rate: 7.7%).

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 Milwaukee?

At $50K/year in Milwaukee, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,840. With 1BR rent around $1,350/month, rent takes up 48% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

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

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,180/month vs $815/month in Milwaukee.

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 Milwaukee

$40K$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