Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs New Orleans 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
New Orleans, LA
$8,406/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (17% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
New Orleans
LA
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,944Best ✓
$8,406
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,400
Groceries (est.)
$380
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$55Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$185
Internet
$40Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$7,964/month
$6,334/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs New Orleans (LA rate: 4.3%).

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 New Orleans?

At $150K/year in New Orleans, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,406. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 17% 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 $6,334/month in New Orleans.

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 New Orleans

$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