Can I Afford to Live in Trenton vs Medellín on $120K?

Here's how a $120K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Trenton, NJ
$6,255/mo take-home
Rent: $1,700/mo (27% of take-home)
Comfortable
Medellín, CO
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $500/mo (7% of take-home)
Very comfortable

Monthly budget breakdown

Trenton
NJ
Medellín
CO
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,255
$7,155Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,700
$500Best ✓
Groceries (est.)
$395
$380Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$80Best ✓
$150
Utilities
$215
$55Best ✓
Internet
$68
$30Best ✓
Left after essentials
$3,797/month
$6,040/month
Medellín (Antioquia) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Trenton (NJ rate: 9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Trenton?

At $120K/year in Trenton, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,255. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 27% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Medellín?

At $120K/year in Medellín, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $500/month, rent takes up 7% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $120K salary?

Medellín leaves you with more money after core expenses — $6,040/month vs $3,797/month in Trenton.

Can I afford to live alone in Trenton on $120K?

Yes. At $120K in Trenton, rent takes 27% of your take-home, leaving $3,797/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Trenton vs Medellín

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