Can I Afford to Live in Provo vs Fort Collins 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.

Provo, UT
$6,685/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (21% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Fort Collins, CO
$6,715/mo take-home
Rent: $1,700/mo (25% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Provo
UT
Fort Collins
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,685
$6,715Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,400Best ✓
$1,700
Groceries (est.)
$372Best ✓
$384
Transport (est.)
$62
$55Best ✓
Utilities
$148
$140Best ✓
Internet
$63Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$4,640/month
$4,371/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Provo?

At $120K/year in Provo, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,685. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 21% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Fort Collins?

At $120K/year in Fort Collins, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,715. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 25% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Provo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,640/month vs $4,371/month in Fort Collins.

Can I afford to live alone in Provo on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Provo, rent takes 21% of your take-home, leaving $4,640/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Provo vs Fort Collins

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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