Salary Needed to Live in Abilene as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $111,300/year to live comfortably in Abilene, TX, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $111,300/year to live comfortably in Abilene, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $89,040/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,793.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,565/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,275/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$111,300
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$89,040
$7,420/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,565
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Abilene
| Expense | Abilene | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,504 | $2,509 | -40% |
| Groceries | $596 | $528 | +13% |
| Utilities | $284 | $337 | -16% |
| Transportation | $449 | $526 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $139 | $223 | -38% |
| Health Insurance | $682 | $672 | +1% |
| Childcare/After-school | $984 | $1,200 | -18% |
| Internet + Phones | $148 | $180 | -18% |
| Children Activities | $205 | $250 | -18% |
| Dining Out | $287 | $350 | -18% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $123 | $150 | -18% |
| Total Monthly | $5,565 | $7,125 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,565
Target savings (15%):$1,228/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,793
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$111,300
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,504
3BR Apartment/House rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,228/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
82/100
Abilene is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,504/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $1,911/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $89,040/year as the survival floor and $111,300/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Abilene
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Abilene?
A family with kids needs approximately $111,300/year ($9,275/month gross) to live comfortably in Abilene with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Abilene?
A 3br apartment/house in Abilene costs approximately $1,504/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Abilene affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Abilene is 22% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.