Can I Afford to Live in Tempe vs Chattanooga 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.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | Tempe AZ | Chattanooga TN |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $8,631 | $8,944 |
| 1BR rent | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Groceries (est.) | $380 | $357 |
| Transport (est.) | $55 | $45 |
| Utilities | $210 | $165 |
| Internet | $62 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $6,324/month | $7,069/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $150K a good salary in Tempe?
At $150K/year in Tempe, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,631. With 1BR rent around $1,600/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Is $150K a good salary in Chattanooga?
At $150K/year in Chattanooga, your estimated monthly take-home is $8,944. With 1BR rent around $1,250/month, rent takes up 14% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.
Which city is more affordable on a $150K salary?
Chattanooga leaves you with more money after core expenses — $7,069/month vs $6,324/month in Tempe.
Can I afford to live alone in Tempe on $150K?
Yes. At $150K in Tempe, rent takes 19% of your take-home, leaving $6,324/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