Can I Afford to Live in Phoenix vs Columbus 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Phoenix AZ | Columbus GA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,905 | $6,605 |
| 1BR rent | $1,500 | $1,100 |
| Groceries (est.) | $369 | $353 |
| Transport (est.) | $64 | $40 |
| Utilities | $210 | $160 |
| Internet | $60 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $4,702/month | $4,894/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Phoenix?
At $120K/year in Phoenix, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,905. With 1BR rent around $1,500/month, rent takes up 22% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Columbus?
At $120K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,605. With 1BR rent around $1,100/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,894/month vs $4,702/month in Phoenix.
Can I afford to live alone in Phoenix on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Phoenix, rent takes 22% of your take-home, leaving $4,702/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.
See the full cost-of-living comparison
Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.
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