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Does $100,000 Go Far in These 5 U.S. Cities?

By Team SalaryCalculate · 6/3/2025

Does $100,000 Go Far in These 5 U.S. Cities?

A six-figure salary still has a ring to it, but in 2025, $100,000 doesn't go nearly as far everywhere. Your take-home pay, housing cost, tax burden, and local prices can dramatically impact what that $100k truly feels like.

Let’s break it down by city to see how $100,000 stacks up — and where your money stretches the farthest.

🏙 1. San Francisco, CA

  • Average 1BR Rent: $3,250/month
  • State Income Tax: High (up to 13.3%)
  • Cost of Living Index: 195 (95% higher than U.S. average)
  • Local Sales Tax: ~8.6%
  • Effective Salary Needed to Match $100k National Buying Power: ~$185,000

Reality Check:
While tech salaries are strong, the cost of living — especially rent and taxes — eats into your income fast. A $100k salary here often feels closer to $55k in most other cities. Most single earners in SF on this income:

  • Opt for roommates or small studios
  • Delay homeownership
  • Have limited discretionary savings

Bottom Line: You’ll survive, but not thrive — unless your company offers major stock options or housing support.

🤠 2. Austin, TX

  • Average 1BR Rent: $1,650/month
  • State Income Tax: None
  • Cost of Living Index: 112
  • Sales Tax: 8.25%
  • Effective Take-Home Value: Comparable to ~$88k net in average city

Reality Check:
Austin has exploded in popularity, driving up housing and traffic. However, no state income tax, relatively moderate rent, and a young, vibrant lifestyle make $100k feel comfortable.

On this salary, you can:

  • Live alone in a decent neighborhood
  • Afford a car or scooter
  • Save or invest 10–20% of income

Bottom Line: A strong salary-to-lifestyle ratio with a growing economy and strong cultural perks.

🗽 3. New York City, NY

  • Average 1BR Rent: $3,450/month (Manhattan)
  • State + City Income Tax: High (combined up to ~12%)
  • Cost of Living Index: 180+
  • Transit: Excellent (MTA, subway)
  • Effective Salary Needed to Match $100k Nationally: ~$175,000

Reality Check:
$100k is below the median NYC tech salary, and after rent, taxes, and expenses, you’re left with little discretionary income. Living alone is tough unless you're in a smaller apartment or outer boroughs like:

  • Brooklyn: $2,500–$3,000/mo for 1BR
  • Queens/Bronx: Lower, but longer commutes

Bottom Line: You’ll need roommates, a tight budget, or financial support to make it work. Culture-rich and career-dense, but expensive.

🌄 4. Denver, CO

  • Average 1BR Rent: $1,800/month
  • State Income Tax: Flat 4.4%
  • Cost of Living Index: 110
  • Quality of Life: High — outdoors, craft beer, tech scene
  • Effective Salary Value: Comparable to ~$90k–$95k in an average U.S. city

Reality Check:
Denver offers a sweet spot for professionals who want urban access without mega-city cost. $100k here means:

  • You can rent solo in a trendy area
  • Enjoy a mix of city life + mountain escapes
  • Save, dine out, and invest with breathing room

Bottom Line: Great work-life balance city with strong value for money.

🌴 5. Miami, FL

  • Average 1BR Rent: $2,200/month
  • State Income Tax: None
  • Cost of Living Index: 125
  • Rising Costs: Rent and inflation have surged post-pandemic
  • Lifestyle: Beach-driven, party-heavy, growing tech presence

Reality Check:
Miami used to be a cheaper coastal alternative, but remote work migration and investment in tech/startups have driven up costs. However:

  • No state income tax = major savings
  • You’ll get more apartment for your dollar than NYC or SF
  • Cultural and entertainment options are abundant

Bottom Line: Still relatively manageable, but rising fast — watch housing inflation if you're planning long-term.

🔍 Summary: How Far Does $100,000 Go?

CityRent (1BR)State TaxCOL IndexRealistic LifestyleSan Francisco$3,250High195Roommates, tight marginAustin$1,650None112Solo living, saving possibleNYC$3,450High180+Roommates or outer boroughsDenver$1,800Low110Comfortable urban livingMiami$2,200None125Livable now, rising quickly

🧠 Key Takeaways

  • Taxes and rent are your biggest cost-of-living drivers.
  • Cities like Austin and Denver give your $100k more breathing room.
  • In NYC and SF, $100k is modest at best — especially if you want to live alone.
  • Miami is a rising star but comes with volatility in rent and pricing.

🔍 Want to know how far your salary will go in your city?
Use our region Net Salary Calculators to see your actual take-home pay based on taxes, rent, and cost of living.