Can I Afford to Live in Salt Lake City vs Amarillo on $80K?
Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Salt Lake City UT | Amarillo TX |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,743 | $5,057 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $950 |
| Groceries (est.) | $372 | $346 |
| Transport (est.) | $90 | $38 |
| Utilities | $150 | $170 |
| Internet | $60 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $2,371/month | $3,493/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $80K a good salary in Salt Lake City?
At $80K/year in Salt Lake City, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,743. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 36% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $80K a good salary in Amarillo?
At $80K/year in Amarillo, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $950/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?
Amarillo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,493/month vs $2,371/month in Salt Lake City.
Can I afford to live alone in Salt Lake City on $80K?
It's tight. Rent in Salt Lake City would take 36% of your $80K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
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