Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Nashville on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Phnom Penh, KH
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (4% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Nashville, TN
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (20% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Nashville
TN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,944Best ✓
$8,944
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,800
Groceries (est.)
$380
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$70Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$170
Internet
$40Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$7,964/month
$6,479/month
Both Phnom Penh and Nashville have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $150K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 4% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Nashville?

At $150K/year in Nashville, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 20% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,964/month vs $6,479/month in Nashville.

Can I afford to live alone in Phnom Penh on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Phnom Penh, rent takes 4% of your take-home, leaving $7,964/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Phnom Penh vs Nashville

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

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