Can I Afford to Live in Rochester vs Austin on $40K?

Here's how a $40K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Rochester, MN
$2,398/mo take-home
Rent: $1,400/mo (58% of take-home)
Difficult
Austin, TX
$2,728/mo take-home
Rent: $1,800/mo (66% of take-home)
Difficult
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Monthly budget breakdown

Rochester
MN
Austin
TX
Monthly take-home (est.)
$2,398
$2,728Best ✓
1BR rent
$1,400Best ✓
$1,800
Groceries (est.)
$380
$372Best ✓
Transport (est.)
$55
$50Best ✓
Utilities
$168Best ✓
$170
Internet
$62Best ✓
$65
Left after essentials
$333/month
$271/month
Austin (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Rochester (MN rate: 9.9%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $40K a good salary in Rochester?

At $40K/year in Rochester, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,398. With 1BR rent around $1,400/month, rent takes up 58% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Is $40K a good salary in Austin?

At $40K/year in Austin, your estimated monthly take-home is $2,728. With 1BR rent around $1,800/month, rent takes up 66% of your take-home. That's considered difficult.

Which city is more affordable on a $40K salary?

Rochester leaves you with more money after core expenses — $333/month vs $271/month in Austin.

Can I afford to live alone in Rochester on $40K?

It's tight. Rent in Rochester would take 58% of your $40K take-home pay. You may need to find roommates or look at studios to stay within the 30% rule.

Compare other salary bands — Rochester vs Austin

$50K$60K$75K$80K$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