Can I Afford to Live in Tokyo vs Phnom Penh on $80K?

Here's how a $80K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Tokyo, JP
$3,723/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (32% of take-home)
Manageable
Phnom Penh, KH
$5,057/mo take-home
Rent: $350/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Tokyo
JP
Phnom Penh
KH
Monthly take-home (est.)
$3,723
$5,057Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,200
$350Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$380Best ✓
$380
Transport (est.)
$150Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$90
$60Best ✓
Internet
$30Best ✓
$40
Left after essentials
$1,873/month
$4,077/month
Phnom Penh (Phnom Penh) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Tokyo (JP rate: 20%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $80K a good salary in Tokyo?

At $80K/year in Tokyo, your estimated monthly take-home is $3,723. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 32% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.

Is $80K a good salary in Phnom Penh?

At $80K/year in Phnom Penh, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,057. With 1BR rent around $350/month, rent takes up 7% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $80K salary?

Phnom Penh leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,077/month vs $1,873/month in Tokyo.

Can I afford to live alone in Tokyo on $80K?

Yes. At $80K in Tokyo, rent takes 32% of your take-home, leaving $1,873/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Tokyo vs Phnom Penh

$40K$50K$60K$75K$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