Can I Afford to Live in Phnom Penh vs Tucson 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
Tucson, AZ
$6,905/mo take-home
Rent: $1,250/mo (18% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Phnom Penh
KH
Tucson
AZ
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$6,905
1BR rent
$350Best ✓
$1,250
Groceries (est.)
$380
$365Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$150
$48Best ✓
Utilities
$60Best ✓
$200
Internet
$40Best ✓
$60
Left after essentials
$6,175/month
$4,982/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Tucson (AZ rate: 2.5%).

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 Tucson?

At $120K/year in Tucson, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,905. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 18% 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 $4,982/month in Tucson.

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 Tucson

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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