Salary Needed to Live in Cheyenne as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $113,317/year to live comfortably in Cheyenne, WY, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $113,317/year to live comfortably in Cheyenne, WY. The bare-minimum salary is $90,033/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,693.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,477/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,443/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$113,317
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$90,033
$7,503/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,477
23% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Cheyenne
| Expense | Cheyenne | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,453 | $2,509 | -42% |
| Groceries | $449 | $528 | -15% |
| Utilities | $301 | $337 | -11% |
| Transportation | $450 | $526 | -14% |
| Car Insurance | $157 | $215 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $452 | $642 | -30% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,140 | $1,200 | -5% |
| Internet + Phones | $171 | $180 | -5% |
| Children Activities | $238 | $250 | -5% |
| Dining Out | $333 | $350 | -5% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $190 | $200 | -5% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $143 | $150 | -5% |
| Total Monthly | $5,477 | $7,087 | -23% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,477
Target savings (15%):$1,216/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,693
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$113,317
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,453
3BR Apartment/House rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus WY state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,216/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
95/100
Cheyenne is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,453/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,215/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $90,033/year as the survival floor and $113,317/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Cheyenne
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Cheyenne?
A family with kids needs approximately $113,317/year ($9,443/month gross) to live comfortably in Cheyenne with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Cheyenne?
A 3br apartment/house in Cheyenne costs approximately $1,453/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Cheyenne affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Cheyenne is 23% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.