Can I Afford to Live in Tacoma vs Tokyo on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Tacoma, WA
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $1,900/mo (70% of take-home)
Difficult
Tokyo, JP
$2,062/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (58% of take-home)
Difficult

Monthly budget breakdown

Tacoma
WA
Tokyo
JP
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,728Best ✓
$2,062
1BR rent
$1,900
$1,200Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$399
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$90Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$118
$90Best ✓
Internet
$63
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$158/month
$212/month
Tacoma (Washington) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Tokyo (JP rate: 20%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Tacoma?

At $40K/year in Tacoma, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,900/month, rent takes up 70% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Tokyo?

At $40K/year in Tokyo, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,062. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 58% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Tokyo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $212/month vs $158/month in Tacoma.

Can I afford to live alone in Tacoma on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Tacoma would take 70% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Tacoma vs Tokyo

$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

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