Salary Needed to Live in Colorado Springs as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $139,407/year to live comfortably in Colorado Springs, CO, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $139,407/year to live comfortably in Colorado Springs, CO. The bare-minimum salary is $110,762/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $8,235.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,738/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $11,617/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$139,407
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$110,762
$9,230/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,738
5% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Colorado Springs
| Expense | Colorado Springs | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $2,142 | $2,509 | -15% |
| Groceries | $538 | $528 | +2% |
| Utilities | $353 | $337 | +5% |
| Transportation | $595 | $526 | +13% |
| Car Insurance | $147 | $215 | -32% |
| Health Insurance | $515 | $642 | -20% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,260 | $1,200 | +5% |
| Internet + Phones | $189 | $180 | +5% |
| Children Activities | $263 | $250 | +5% |
| Dining Out | $368 | $350 | +5% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $210 | $200 | +5% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $158 | $150 | +5% |
| Total Monthly | $6,738 | $7,087 | -5% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,738
Target savings (15%):$1,497/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$8,235
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$139,407
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$2,142
3BR Apartment/House rent is 32% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus CO state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,497/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
105/100
Colorado Springs is close to 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 $2,142/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,448/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $110,762/year as the survival floor and $139,407/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Colorado Springs
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Colorado Springs?
A family with kids needs approximately $139,407/year ($11,617/month gross) to live comfortably in Colorado Springs with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Colorado Springs?
A 3br apartment/house in Colorado Springs costs approximately $2,142/month, which is the largest single expense at 32% of the total budget.
Is Colorado Springs affordable for a family with kids?
Colorado Springs is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.