Can I Afford to Live in Reno 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 | Reno NV | Columbus OH |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,155 | $6,855 |
| 1BR rent | $1,650 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $384 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $62 | $62 |
| Utilities | $165 | $155 |
| Internet | $65 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $4,829/month | $4,967/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in Reno?
At $120K/year in Reno, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $1,650/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Is $120K a good salary in Columbus?
At $120K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,855. 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?
Columbus leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,967/month vs $4,829/month in Reno.
Can I afford to live alone in Reno on $120K?
Yes. At $120K in Reno, rent takes 23% of your take-home, leaving $4,829/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