Salary Needed to Live in Great Falls as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $106,821/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $106,821/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $84,871/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,310.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,163/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $8,902/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$106,821
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$84,871
$7,073/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,163
27% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Great Falls
| Expense | Great Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,170 | $2,509 | -53% |
| Groceries | $624 | $528 | +18% |
| Utilities | $242 | $337 | -28% |
| Transportation | $443 | $526 | -16% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $215 | -18% |
| Health Insurance | $458 | $642 | -29% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,056 | $1,200 | -12% |
| Internet + Phones | $158 | $180 | -12% |
| Children Activities | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Dining Out | $308 | $350 | -12% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $5,163 | $7,087 | -27% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,163
Target savings (15%):$1,147/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,310
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$106,821
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,170
3BR Apartment/House rent is 23% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,147/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Great Falls 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 $1,170/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,050/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $84,871/year as the survival floor and $106,821/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Great Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Great Falls?
A family with kids needs approximately $106,821/year ($8,902/month gross) to live comfortably in Great Falls with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Great Falls?
A 3br apartment/house in Great Falls costs approximately $1,170/month, which is the largest single expense at 23% of the total budget.
Is Great Falls affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Great Falls is 27% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.