Can I Afford to Live in Laredo vs Minneapolis 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.

Laredo, TX
$7,155/mo take-home
Rent: $950/mo (13% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Minneapolis, MN
$6,165/mo take-home
Rent: $1,700/mo (28% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Laredo
TX
Minneapolis
MN
Monthly take-home (est.)
$7,155Best ✓
$6,165
1BR rent
$950Best ✓
$1,700
Groceries (est.)
$338Best ✓
$391
Transport (est.)
$35Best ✓
$95
Utilities
$168Best ✓
$195
Internet
$58Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$5,606/month
$3,719/month
Laredo (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Minneapolis (MN rate: 9.9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $120K a good salary in Laredo?

At $120K/year in Laredo, your estimated monthly take-home is $7,155. With 1BR rent around $950/month, rent takes up 13% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $120K a good salary in Minneapolis?

At $120K/year in Minneapolis, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,165. With 1BR rent around $1,700/month, rent takes up 28% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

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

Laredo leaves you with more money after core expenses — $5,606/month vs $3,719/month in Minneapolis.

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

Yes. At $120K in Laredo, rent takes 13% of your take-home, leaving $5,606/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Laredo vs Minneapolis

$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