What Does a $30,000 Salary Actually Buy in the U.S.?
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFTake-home estimate
After federal taxes and FICA, a $30,000 salary yields approximately $2,179 per month in a no-tax state and $1,946 per month in California.
Housing affordability
With $2,179 take-home, you can comfortably afford a 1BR apartment up to about $654/month (the 30% guideline).
Comfortable (0)
Stretched (37)
Where $30,000 goes furthest
Where $30,000 is most stretched
Reality score — St. Louis (best for this income)
Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At Under $40k in St. Louis, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.
$30,000 Salary — FAQ
Is $30,000 a good salary?
A $30,000 salary places you in the under40k income band. Whether it feels sufficient depends heavily on location — after federal taxes and FICA it yields roughly $2,179/month in a no-tax state and $1,946/month in California. Source: IRS 2025, Tax Foundation 2025.
What can I afford on $30,000?
With approximately $2,179/month take-home in a no-tax state, the 30% guideline suggests a 1BR up to about $654/month. 0 of our 37 tracked cities have a median 1BR at or below that level. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
Which cities are best for $30,000?
At $30,000, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, San Antonio, Detroit, Columbus leave the most room after housing among tracked metros. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR, BLS OEWS May 2025.
What is take-home on $30,000?
After federal income tax, FICA, and state tax, a $30,000 salary yields about $26,144/year ($2,179/mo) in a no-tax state and about $23,354/year ($1,946/mo) in California. Source: IRS 2025, Tax Foundation 2025.