Can I Afford to Live in Salem vs Charleston 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 | Salem OR | Charleston SC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $7,706 | $8,169 |
| 1BR rent | $1,450 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $376 |
| Transport (est.) | $72 | $55 |
| Utilities | $125 | $162 |
| Internet | $63 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $5,616/month | $5,613/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Salem?
At $150K/year in Salem, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,706. With 1BR rent around $1,450/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Charleston?
At $150K/year in Charleston, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,169. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 23% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Salem leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,616/month vs $5,613/month in Charleston.
Can I afford to live alone in Salem on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Salem, rent takes 19% of your take-home, leaving $5,616/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