Real Income Explorer

Explore your actual purchasing power after taxes and living costs. Compare how the same salary performs across different US cities.

Real Income Explorer

Explore your actual purchasing power after taxes and living costs

⚠️
Estimates Only

These calculations are simplified and may not reflect your actual tax liability. This is not tax or financial advice. Consult a licensed professional for personalized guidance.

Gross Annual Salary
$120,000
Total Taxes
$26,750
Federal: $17,570 • State: $0 • FICA: $9,180
Effective Tax Rate: 22.3%
After-Tax Income
$93,250
$7,771/month
Annual Rent (1BR)
$24,900
$2,075/month
After Rent
$68,350
$5,696/month
Potential Annual Savings
$55,900
$4,658/month
Income Breakdown
22.3%
20.8%
10.4%
46.6%
🔴 Taxes🟠 Rent🟡 Other🟢 Savings

💡 Note: This tool provides estimates based on 2026 tax brackets and March 2026 average rent data. Actual expenses vary by lifestyle. "Other expenses" includes food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment (estimated at 50% of rent). Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute tax or financial advice.

📊 Data sources: IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32, state revenue departments, Zumper/RentCafe rent data (March 2026)

💡 Why This Matters

A $120K salary in San Francisco is not the same as $120K in Austin. State taxes, city taxes, and living costs dramatically impact your actual purchasing power. This tool shows you the real numbers after all expenses.

📊 Key Insights

  • • No State Tax States (TX, WA, FL): Keep more of your paycheck
  • • High Tax States (CA, NY): 30-35% effective tax rate vs. 22% in Texas
  • • Cost of Living: SF/NYC rent can be 2-3x higher than Dallas/Houston
  • • Real Winner: Often tech hubs in low-tax states (Seattle, Austin, Dallas)

⚠️ Important Disclaimers

  • • Not financial or tax advice — Consult a licensed tax professional or financial advisor
  • • Tax calculations use simplified 2026 federal brackets and state rates
  • • NYC results include city local tax; other cities show state tax only
  • • Does not account for individual deductions, credits, or circumstances
  • • Rent prices are metro area averages for 1-bedroom apartments
  • • "Other expenses" estimated at 50% of rent (food, transport, utilities)
  • • Does not include bonuses, stock compensation, or employer benefits
  • • Results provided "AS IS" without warranties — This tool and its providers are not liable for decisions based on these estimates

Data sources: IRS Tax Brackets (2026), City Guide Real Estate Data, DOL H1B LCA Salary Data (FY2024-2025)