Can I Afford to Live in Provo vs Jackson on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses โ€” based on Q1 2026 data.

Provo, UT
$5,929/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (24% of take-home)
Comfortable
Jackson, MS
$5,929/mo take-home
Rent: $1,000/mo (17% of take-home)
Very comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Provo
UT
Jackson
MS
Monthly take-home (est.)
$5,929Best โœ“
$5,929
1BR rent
$1,400
$1,000Best โœ“
Groceries (est.)
$372
$346Best โœ“
Transport (est.)
$62
$38Best โœ“
Utilities
$148Best โœ“
$178
Internet
$63
$55Best โœ“
Left after essentials
$3,884/month
$4,312/month

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Provo?

At $100K/year in Provo, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,929. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 24% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Jackson?

At $100K/year in Jackson, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,929. With 1BR rent around $1,000/month, rent takes up 17% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Jackson leaves you with more money after core expenses โ€” $4,312/month vs $3,884/month in Provo.

Can I afford to live alone in Provo on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Provo, rent takes 24% of your take-home, leaving $3,884/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands โ€” Provo vs Jackson

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more โ€” 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 ยท Q1 2026 ยท For general guidance only