Can I Afford to Live in Tampa vs Cartagena on $150K?

Here's how a $150K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Tampa, FL
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $2,000/mo (22% of take-home)
Comfortable
Cartagena, CO
$8,944/mo take-home
Rent: $560/mo (6% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Tampa
FL
Cartagena
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$8,944Best ✓
$8,944
1BR rent
$2,000
$560Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$376Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$65Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$195
$70Best ✓
Internet
$65
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$6,243/month
$7,754/month
Both Tampa and Cartagena have no state income tax — your take-home is higher than in most states.

Frequently asked questions

Is $150K a good salary in Tampa?

At $150K/year in Tampa, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $2,000/month, rent takes up 22% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $150K a good salary in Cartagena?

At $150K/year in Cartagena, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $560/month, rent takes up 6% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?

Cartagena leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,754/month vs $6,243/month in Tampa.

Can I afford to live alone in Tampa on $150K?

Yes. At $150K in Tampa, rent takes 22% of your take-home, leaving $6,243/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Tampa vs Cartagena

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$100K$120K

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