Can I Afford to Live in New Haven vs St. Louis on $75K?
Here's how a $75K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.
Monthly budget breakdown
| Expense | New Haven CT | St. Louis MO |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home (est.) | $4,303 | $4,447 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,300 |
| Groceries (est.) | $410 | $369 |
| Transport (est.) | $82 | $75 |
| Utilities | $198 | $162 |
| Internet | $70 | $60 |
| Left after essentials | $1,743/month | $2,481/month |
Frequently asked questions
Is $75K a good salary in New Haven?
At $75K/year in New Haven, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,303. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 42% of your take-home. That's considered tight.
Is $75K a good salary in St. Louis?
At $75K/year in St. Louis, your estimated monthly take-home is $4,447. With 1BR rent around $1,300/month, rent takes up 29% of your take-home. That's considered manageable.
Which city is more affordable on a $75K salary?
St. Louis leaves you with more money after core expenses — $2,481/month vs $1,743/month in New Haven.
Can I afford to live alone in New Haven on $75K?
It's tight. Rent in New Haven would take 42% of your $75K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.
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