City Finder Results

Best Cities for Families Making $120K

Where $120K supports a comfortable family life. Based on real federal cost data for 301 US cities.

Income: $120K/yr
Household: Family of 4
Climate: Any
Priority: Balance
Savings Goal: $800/mo
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Direct Answer

Memphis, TN is the top match for this city-finder scenario, scoring 76/100 with an estimated monthly surplus of +$2,268. Results are ranked from federal cost data, modeled take-home pay, affordability, climate, and lifestyle fit.

Top match
Memphis, TN
76/100 match score
Monthly surplus
+$2,268
Modeled take-home pay minus core monthly costs
Rent benchmark
$1,722
Estimated monthly rent in the top city
Scenario income
$120,000/yr
Family of 4 profile

Your Top 10 City Matches

#1

Memphis, TN

Pop: 633K · Index: 82 · south
A
Match Score76/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,722
Total Costs
$3,932
Surplus
+$2,268
✅ Why it fits:
  • $2,268/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 18% below national average
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#2

Flint, MI

Pop: 97K · Index: 76 · midwest
A+
Match Score76/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,596
Total Costs
$3,655
Surplus
+$2,545
✅ Why it fits:
  • $2,545/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 24% below national average
  • Rent is only 23% of take-home pay (healthy ratio)
⚠️ Consider:
  • Smaller city — fewer job options if you need to switch
#3

Houston, TX

Pop: 2305K · Index: 96 · south
B
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$2,016
Total Costs
$4,578
Surplus
+$1,622
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,622/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Major metro with diverse opportunities
#4

San Antonio, TX

Pop: 1547K · Index: 90 · south
B+
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,890
Total Costs
$4,301
Surplus
+$1,899
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,899/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 10% below national average
  • Major metro with diverse opportunities
#5

Jacksonville, FL

Pop: 950K · Index: 96 · south
B
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$2,016
Total Costs
$4,578
Surplus
+$1,622
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,622/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#6

Fort Worth, TX

Pop: 959K · Index: 94 · south
B+
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,974
Total Costs
$4,486
Surplus
+$1,714
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,714/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 6% below national average
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#7

Columbus, OH

Pop: 906K · Index: 92 · midwest
B+
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,932
Total Costs
$4,394
Surplus
+$1,806
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,806/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 8% below national average
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#8

Charlotte, NC

Pop: 875K · Index: 97 · south
B
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$2,037
Total Costs
$4,625
Surplus
+$1,575
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,575/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#9

Indianapolis, IN

Pop: 888K · Index: 90 · midwest
B+
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,890
Total Costs
$4,301
Surplus
+$1,899
✅ Why it fits:
  • $1,899/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 10% below national average
  • Mid-size city with good amenities
#10

Oklahoma City, OK

Pop: 681K · Index: 87 · south
A
Match Score75/100
Take-Home
$7,000
Rent
$1,827
Total Costs
$4,163
Surplus
+$2,037
✅ Why it fits:
  • $2,037/mo surplus after all expenses and savings
  • Cost of living 13% below national average
  • Mid-size city with good amenities

How to Use These Matches

Start with Memphis, then compare the city overview, rent, salary-needed, and monthly-budget pages.
Treat the 76/100 score as a fit screen, not a final move decision.
Validate neighborhood-level rent, commute, job availability, healthcare, and school needs before relocating.
Compare at least three top matches because lifestyle preferences can outweigh a small affordability difference.

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