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$20.00 an hour is $41,600 a year before tax at 40 hours a week. It goes furthest in El Paso, where it's worth $39,606 after tax and local prices, and least far in San Francisco at $29,641. That's a $10,000 spread on the identical wage.
That's gross, at 40 hours a week for 52 weeks, which is 2,080 hours. Take-home is lower everywhere and the amount it's lower by depends on the state, which is what the table sorts on.
“Real value” converts local buying power back to a national equivalent. Above $41,600 means the money goes further than average once tax and prices are both accounted for, and below means it goes less far. Take-home is 2026 federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare, and state income tax where the state charges it.
| Metro | Take-home a month | Price level | Real value a year | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El PasoTX | $2,967 | 89.9 | $39,606 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 34% · $1,013/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $17.98 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for El Paso → | ||||
| Little RockAR | $2,877 | 89.4 | $38,619 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,525 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,328 | |||
| Rent takes | 34% · $989/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $17.88 | |||
| State income tax | $1,081 at 2.6% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Little Rock → | ||||
| MemphisTN | $2,967 | 92.2 | $38,618 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 39% · $1,154/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.44 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Memphis → | ||||
| KnoxvilleTN | $2,967 | 92.6 | $38,451 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 40% · $1,184/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.52 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Knoxville → | ||||
| TulsaOK | $2,857 | 89.2 | $38,429 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,279 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 35% · $987/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $17.84 | |||
| State income tax | $1,327 at 3.2% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Tulsa → | ||||
| WichitaKS | $2,840 | 88.9 | $38,340 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,084 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,311 | |||
| Rent takes | 30% · $849/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $17.78 | |||
| State income tax | $1,522 at 3.7% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Wichita → | ||||
| Baton RougeLA | $2,895 | 90.8 | $38,264 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,744 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,336 | |||
| Rent takes | 37% · $1,064/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.16 | |||
| State income tax | $862 at 2.1% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Baton Rouge → | ||||
| Oklahoma CityOK | $2,857 | 90.4 | $37,919 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,279 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 36% · $1,017/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.08 | |||
| State income tax | $1,327 at 3.2% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Oklahoma City → | ||||
| Des MoinesIA | $2,886 | 91.7 | $37,772 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,637 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,332 | |||
| Rent takes | 38% · $1,109/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.34 | |||
| State income tax | $969 at 2.3% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Des Moines → | ||||
| San AntonioTX | $2,967 | 94.7 | $37,598 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 40% · $1,177/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.94 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for San Antonio → | ||||
| GreenvilleSC | $2,922 | 93.3 | $37,586 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,068 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,349 | |||
| Rent takes | 42% · $1,221/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.66 | |||
| State income tax | $538 at 1.3% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Greenville → | ||||
| ClevelandOH | $2,936 | 93.9 | $37,526 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,237 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,355 | |||
| Rent takes | 36% · $1,058/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.78 | |||
| State income tax | $369 at 0.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Cleveland → | ||||
| New OrleansLA | $2,895 | 92.6 | $37,520 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,744 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,336 | |||
| Rent takes | 38% · $1,113/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.52 | |||
| State income tax | $862 at 2.1% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for New Orleans → | ||||
| OmahaNE | $2,868 | 91.9 | $37,450 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,416 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,324 | |||
| Rent takes | 40% · $1,148/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.38 | |||
| State income tax | $1,189 at 2.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Omaha → | ||||
| Kansas CityMO | $2,882 | 92.5 | $37,392 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,588 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,330 | |||
| Rent takes | 42% · $1,197/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.50 | |||
| State income tax | $1,018 at 2.4% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Kansas City → | ||||
| NashvilleTN | $2,967 | 96.3 | $36,974 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 53% · $1,578/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.26 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Nashville → | ||||
| CincinnatiOH | $2,936 | 95.4 | $36,936 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,237 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,355 | |||
| Rent takes | 36% · $1,051/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.08 | |||
| State income tax | $369 at 0.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Cincinnati → | ||||
| ColumbusOH | $2,936 | 95.5 | $36,897 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,237 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,355 | |||
| Rent takes | 41% · $1,194/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.10 | |||
| State income tax | $369 at 0.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Columbus → | ||||
| BirminghamAL | $2,816 | 91.6 | $36,889 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,791 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,300 | |||
| Rent takes | 41% · $1,155/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.32 | |||
| State income tax | $1,815 at 4.4% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Birmingham → | ||||
| LouisvilleKY | $2,856 | 93.1 | $36,807 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,267 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 37% · $1,047/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.62 | |||
| State income tax | $1,338 at 3.2% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Louisville → | ||||
| AlbuquerqueNM | $2,899 | 95.5 | $36,423 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,784 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,338 | |||
| Rent takes | 41% · $1,185/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.10 | |||
| State income tax | $822 at 2.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Albuquerque → | ||||
| St. LouisMO | $2,882 | 95.1 | $36,370 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,588 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,330 | |||
| Rent takes | 35% · $995/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.02 | |||
| State income tax | $1,018 at 2.4% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for St. Louis → | ||||
| AustinTX | $2,967 | 98.1 | $36,295 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 53% · $1,562/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.62 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Austin → | ||||
| PittsburghPA | $2,861 | 94.7 | $36,250 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,328 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,320 | |||
| Rent takes | 38% · $1,077/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $18.94 | |||
| State income tax | $1,277 at 3.1% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Pittsburgh → | ||||
| HoustonTX | $2,967 | 98.6 | $36,111 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 45% · $1,323/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.72 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Houston → | ||||
| IndianapolisIN | $2,867 | 95.7 | $35,954 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,408 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,323 | |||
| Rent takes | 44% · $1,267/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.14 | |||
| State income tax | $1,198 at 2.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Indianapolis → | ||||
| TucsonAZ | $2,898 | 96.9 | $35,887 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,774 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,337 | |||
| Rent takes | 37% · $1,081/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.38 | |||
| State income tax | $831 at 2.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Tucson → | ||||
| JacksonvilleFL | $2,967 | 99.5 | $35,785 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 47% · $1,382/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.90 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Jacksonville → | ||||
| MilwaukeeWI | $2,870 | 96.9 | $35,545 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,443 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,325 | |||
| Rent takes | 39% · $1,119/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.38 | |||
| State income tax | $1,163 at 2.8% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Milwaukee → | ||||
| Las VegasNV | $2,967 | 100.2 | $35,535 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 50% · $1,478/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.04 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Las Vegas → | ||||
| SpokaneWA | $2,967 | 100.3 | $35,499 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 40% · $1,193/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.06 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Spokane → | ||||
| CharlotteNC | $2,871 | 97.3 | $35,411 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,454 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,325 | |||
| Rent takes | 54% · $1,538/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.46 | |||
| State income tax | $1,151 at 2.8% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Charlotte → | ||||
| MadisonWI | $2,870 | 97.3 | $35,399 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,443 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,325 | |||
| Rent takes | 52% · $1,482/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.46 | |||
| State income tax | $1,163 at 2.8% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Madison → | ||||
| TampaFL | $2,967 | 100.9 | $35,288 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 57% · $1,696/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.18 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Tampa → | ||||
| BuffaloNY | $2,812 | 95.8 | $35,225 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,745 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,298 | |||
| Rent takes | 41% · $1,139/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.16 | |||
| State income tax | $1,649 at 4.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Buffalo → | ||||
| OrlandoFL | $2,967 | 101.4 | $35,114 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 58% · $1,731/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.28 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Orlando → | ||||
| RaleighNC | $2,871 | 98.2 | $35,086 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,454 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,325 | |||
| Rent takes | 56% · $1,596/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.64 | |||
| State income tax | $1,151 at 2.8% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Raleigh → | ||||
| RochesterNY | $2,812 | 97.0 | $34,789 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,745 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,298 | |||
| Rent takes | 45% · $1,256/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.40 | |||
| State income tax | $1,649 at 4.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Rochester → | ||||
| RichmondVA | $2,836 | 97.9 | $34,758 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,028 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,309 | |||
| Rent takes | 53% · $1,507/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $19.58 | |||
| State income tax | $1,578 at 3.8% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Richmond → | ||||
| CharlestonSC | $2,922 | 101.0 | $34,720 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,068 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,349 | |||
| Rent takes | 56% · $1,630/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.20 | |||
| State income tax | $538 at 1.3% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Charleston → | ||||
| DallasTX | $2,967 | 103.1 | $34,535 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 56% · $1,648/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.62 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Dallas → | ||||
| AtlantaGA | $2,857 | 100.1 | $34,244 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,278 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 58% · $1,660/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.02 | |||
| State income tax | $1,327 at 3.2% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Atlanta → | ||||
| Colorado SpringsCO | $2,874 | 100.7 | $34,244 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,484 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,326 | |||
| Rent takes | 51% · $1,464/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.14 | |||
| State income tax | $1,122 at 2.7% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Colorado Springs → | ||||
| ProvidenceRI | $2,889 | 101.8 | $34,050 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,662 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,333 | |||
| Rent takes | 49% · $1,402/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.36 | |||
| State income tax | $943 at 2.3% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Providence → | ||||
| DetroitMI | $2,841 | 100.3 | $33,986 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,088 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,311 | |||
| Rent takes | 39% · $1,122/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.06 | |||
| State income tax | $1,517 at 3.6% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Detroit → | ||||
| BakersfieldCA | $2,855 | 100.9 | $33,959 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 40% · $1,140/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.18 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Bakersfield → | ||||
| AnchorageAK | $2,967 | 105.4 | $33,781 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 42% · $1,243/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.08 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Anchorage → | ||||
| PhoenixAZ | $2,898 | 103.3 | $33,663 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,774 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,337 | |||
| Rent takes | 55% · $1,583/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.66 | |||
| State income tax | $831 at 2.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Phoenix → | ||||
| FresnoCA | $2,855 | 102.2 | $33,528 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 47% · $1,355/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.44 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Fresno → | ||||
| PhiladelphiaPA | $2,861 | 102.6 | $33,459 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,328 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,320 | |||
| Rent takes | 53% · $1,520/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.52 | |||
| State income tax | $1,277 at 3.1% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Philadelphia → | ||||
| Salt Lake CityUT | $2,813 | 100.9 | $33,453 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,754 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,298 | |||
| Rent takes | 52% · $1,456/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.18 | |||
| State income tax | $1,851 at 4.5% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Salt Lake City → | ||||
| HartfordCT | $2,832 | 102.7 | $33,090 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,984 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,307 | |||
| Rent takes | 52% · $1,477/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.54 | |||
| State income tax | $1,622 at 3.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Hartford → | ||||
| MinneapolisMN | $2,850 | 104.8 | $32,632 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,199 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,315 | |||
| Rent takes | 49% · $1,405/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.96 | |||
| State income tax | $1,407 at 3.4% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Minneapolis → | ||||
| DenverCO | $2,874 | 105.8 | $32,593 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,484 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,326 | |||
| Rent takes | 61% · $1,754/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.16 | |||
| State income tax | $1,122 at 2.7% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Denver → | ||||
| BaltimoreMD | $2,833 | 104.5 | $32,529 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,993 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,307 | |||
| Rent takes | 53% · $1,511/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.90 | |||
| State income tax | $1,612 at 3.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Baltimore → | ||||
| ChicagoIL | $2,808 | 103.6 | $32,520 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,691 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,296 | |||
| Rent takes | 56% · $1,581/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $20.72 | |||
| State income tax | $1,914 at 4.6% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Chicago → | ||||
| SacramentoCA | $2,855 | 106.7 | $32,114 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 64% · $1,832/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.34 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Sacramento → | ||||
| SeattleWA | $2,967 | 111.1 | $32,048 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 72% · $2,146/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.22 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Seattle → | ||||
| Washington D.C.DC | $2,856 | 108.9 | $31,474 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,276 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 71% · $2,015/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.78 | |||
| State income tax | $1,330 at 3.2% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Washington D.C. → | ||||
| MiamiFL | $2,967 | 114.2 | $31,178 | |
| Take-home a year | $35,606 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,369 | |||
| Rent takes | 67% · $1,995/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.84 | |||
| State income tax | None in this state | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Miami → | ||||
| BostonMA | $2,812 | 108.3 | $31,159 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,746 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,298 | |||
| Rent takes | 88% · $2,476/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.66 | |||
| State income tax | $1,860 at 4.5% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Boston → | ||||
| San JoseCA | $2,855 | 110.4 | $31,037 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 104% · $2,982/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.08 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for San Jose → | ||||
| PortlandOR | $2,712 | 105.4 | $30,872 | |
| Take-home a year | $32,539 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,252 | |||
| Rent takes | 62% · $1,677/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $21.08 | |||
| State income tax | $3,066 at 7.4% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Portland → | ||||
| San DiegoCA | $2,855 | 111.9 | $30,621 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 86% · $2,459/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.38 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for San Diego → | ||||
| HonoluluHI | $2,827 | 111.0 | $30,564 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,926 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,305 | |||
| Rent takes | 71% · $2,016/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.20 | |||
| State income tax | $1,679 at 4.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Honolulu → | ||||
| Los AngelesCA | $2,855 | 113.6 | $30,163 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 73% · $2,085/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.72 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for Los Angeles → | ||||
| New York CityNY | $2,812 | 112.6 | $29,969 | |
| Take-home a year | $33,745 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,298 | |||
| Rent takes | 94% · $2,655/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $22.52 | |||
| State income tax | $1,649 at 4.0% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for New York City → | ||||
| San FranciscoCA | $2,855 | 115.6 | $29,641 | |
| Take-home a year | $34,265 | |||
| Every two weeks | $1,318 | |||
| Rent takes | 104% · $2,977/mo one-bed | |||
| Hourly wage here to match nationally | $23.12 | |||
| State income tax | $800 at 1.9% effective | |||
| Read the full breakdown for San Francisco → | ||||
Of the 68 metros here with published HUD fair market rents, a one-bedroom takes more than 30% of monthly take-home in 67 of them at this wage. Thirty percent is the standard line for affordable housing, so anything above it is what housing researchers call cost-burdened. Open any row in the table to see the share for that metro.
Annual gross is the hourly rate times 2,080 hours, which is 40 hours a week for 52 weeks with no unpaid time off. Plenty of hourly work doesn't run a full 2,080 hours, so treat this as the full-time ceiling rather than a promise. Take-home applies 2026 federal brackets for a single filer taking the standard deduction, Social Security and Medicare, and the state's own 2026 schedule. Price level is the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for that metro, where 100 is the national average, and real value divides take-home by it.
Every metro links to a full breakdown: the exact tax figures, monthly and biweekly pay, what a one-bedroom takes, how prices split across housing, goods and services, and how the metro's price level has moved since 2008.