Can I Afford to Live in San Francisco vs Charleston 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 | San Francisco CA | Charleston SC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $6,225 | $6,535 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $1,900 |
| Groceries (est.) | $448 | $376 |
| Transport (est.) | $100 | $55 |
| Utilities | $160 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $1,847/month | $3,979/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $120K a good salary in San Francisco?
At $120K/year in San Francisco, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,225. With 1BR rent around $3,600/month, rent takes up 58% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Is $120K a good salary in Charleston?
At $120K/year in Charleston, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,535. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?
Charleston leaves you with more money after core expenses — $3,979/month vs $1,847/month in San Francisco.
Can I afford to live alone in San Francisco on $120K?
It's tight. Rent in San Francisco would take 58% of your $120K 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