Can I Afford to Live in Tacoma vs Wilmington 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Tacoma WA | Wilmington NC |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $2,728 | $2,578 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $1,550 |
| Groceries (est.) | $399 | $372 |
| Transport (est.) | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $118 | $158 |
| Internet | $63 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $158/month | $391/month |
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 Wilmington?
At $40K/year in Wilmington, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,578. With 1BR rent around $1,550/month, rent takes up 60% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.
Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?
Wilmington leaves you with more money after core expenses — $391/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.
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