Can I Afford to Live in Scranton vs Columbus on $50K?
Here's how a $50K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Scranton PA | Columbus OH |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $3,031 | $3,035 |
| 1BR rent | $1,050 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $361 | $361 |
| Transport (est.) | $58 | $62 |
| Utilities | $165 | $155 |
| Internet | $62 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,335/month | $1,147/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $50K a good salary in Scranton?
At $50K/year in Scranton, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,031. With 1BR rent around $1,050/month, rent takes up 35% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Is $50K a good salary in Columbus?
At $50K/year in Columbus, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,035. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 41% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Which city is more affordable on a $50K salary?
Scranton leaves you with more money after core expenses — $1,335/month vs $1,147/month in Columbus.
Can I afford to live alone in Scranton on $50K?
Yes. At $50K in Scranton, rent takes 35% of your take-home, leaving $1,335/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