Salary Needed to Live in College Station as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $54,240/year to live comfortably in College Station, TX, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $54,240/year to live comfortably in College Station, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $47,008/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,315.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,938/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,520/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$54,240
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$47,008
$3,917/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,938
18% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in College Station
| Expense | College Station | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $836 | $1,351 | -38% |
| Groceries | $235 | $207 | +14% |
| Utilities | $157 | $169 | -7% |
| Transportation | $238 | $316 | -25% |
| Car Insurance | $191 | $223 | -14% |
| Health Insurance | $713 | $672 | +6% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone | $75 | $85 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $264 | $300 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Personal Care | $66 | $75 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,938 | $3,583 | -18% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,938
Target savings (10%):$377/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,315
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$54,240
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$836
Studio/1BR rent is 28% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$377/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
College Station 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 studio/1br housing near $836/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $568/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $47,008/year as the survival floor and $54,240/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in College Station
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in College Station?
A single person needs approximately $54,240/year ($4,520/month gross) to live comfortably in College Station with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in College Station?
A studio/1br in College Station costs approximately $836/month, which is the largest single expense at 28% of the total budget.
Is College Station affordable for a single person?
Yes, College Station is 18% more affordable than the national average for a single person.