Salary Needed to Live in Kennewick as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $122,566/year to live comfortably in Kennewick, WA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $122,566/year to live comfortably in Kennewick, WA. The bare-minimum salary is $97,381/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,240.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,924/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $10,214/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$122,566
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$97,381
$8,115/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,924
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Kennewick
| Expense | Kennewick | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,612 | $2,509 | -36% |
| Groceries | $588 | $528 | +11% |
| Utilities | $246 | $337 | -27% |
| Transportation | $476 | $526 | -10% |
| Car Insurance | $152 | $215 | -29% |
| Health Insurance | $660 | $642 | +3% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,128 | $1,200 | -6% |
| Internet + Phones | $169 | $180 | -6% |
| Children Activities | $235 | $250 | -6% |
| Dining Out | $329 | $350 | -6% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $141 | $150 | -6% |
| Total Monthly | $5,924 | $7,087 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,924
Target savings (15%):$1,316/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,240
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$122,566
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,612
3BR Apartment/House rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus WA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,316/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Kennewick 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 $1,612/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,190/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $97,381/year as the survival floor and $122,566/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Kennewick
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Kennewick?
A family with kids needs approximately $122,566/year ($10,214/month gross) to live comfortably in Kennewick with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Kennewick?
A 3br apartment/house in Kennewick costs approximately $1,612/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Kennewick affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Kennewick is 16% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.