Salary Needed to Live in Idaho Falls as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $115,717/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $115,717/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $91,940/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,835.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,593/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,643/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$115,717
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$91,940
$7,662/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,593
21% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Idaho Falls
| Expense | Idaho Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,398 | $2,509 | -44% |
| Groceries | $658 | $528 | +25% |
| Utilities | $278 | $337 | -18% |
| Transportation | $334 | $526 | -37% |
| Car Insurance | $168 | $215 | -22% |
| Health Insurance | $660 | $642 | +3% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,080 | $1,200 | -10% |
| Internet + Phones | $162 | $180 | -10% |
| Children Activities | $225 | $250 | -10% |
| Dining Out | $315 | $350 | -10% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $135 | $150 | -10% |
| Total Monthly | $5,593 | $7,087 | -21% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,593
Target savings (15%):$1,242/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,835
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$115,717
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,398
3BR Apartment/House rent is 25% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,242/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
90/100
Idaho 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 $1,398/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,097/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $91,940/year as the survival floor and $115,717/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Idaho Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Idaho Falls?
A family with kids needs approximately $115,717/year ($9,643/month gross) to live comfortably in Idaho Falls with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Idaho Falls?
A 3br apartment/house in Idaho Falls costs approximately $1,398/month, which is the largest single expense at 25% of the total budget.
Is Idaho Falls affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Idaho Falls is 21% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.