Can I Afford to Live in Playa del Carmen vs Phnom Penh 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Playa del Carmen MX | Phnom Penh KH |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,944 | $8,944 |
| 1BR rent | $800 | $350 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $380 |
| Transport (est.) | $150 | $150 |
| Utilities | $55 | $60 |
| Internet | $35 | $40 |
| Left after essentials | $7,524/month | $7,964/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Playa del Carmen?
At $150K/year in Playa del Carmen, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $800/month, rent takes up 9% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
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.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,964/month vs $7,524/month in Playa del Carmen.
Can I afford to live alone in Playa del Carmen on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Playa del Carmen, rent takes 9% of your take-home, leaving $7,524/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