Salary Needed to Live in Martha's Vineyard as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $209,579/year to live comfortably in Martha's Vineyard, MA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $209,579/year to live comfortably in Martha's Vineyard, MA. The bare-minimum salary is $165,917/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $12,174.
The minimum scenario leaves about $9,955/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $17,465/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$209,579
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$165,917
$13,826/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$9,955
39% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Martha's Vineyard
| Expense | Martha's Vineyard | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,660 | $2,509 | -34% |
| Groceries | $1,072 | $528 | +103% |
| Utilities | $452 | $337 | +34% |
| Transportation | $1,006 | $526 | +91% |
| Car Insurance | $273 | $229 | +19% |
| Health Insurance | $947 | $690 | +37% |
| Childcare/After-school | $2,340 | $1,200 | +95% |
| Internet + Phones | $351 | $180 | +95% |
| Children Activities | $488 | $250 | +95% |
| Dining Out | $683 | $350 | +95% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $390 | $200 | +95% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $293 | $150 | +95% |
| Total Monthly | $9,955 | $7,149 | +39% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$9,955
Target savings (15%):$2,219/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$12,174
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$209,579
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,660
3BR Apartment/House rent is 17% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus MA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$2,219/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
195/100
Martha's Vineyard is well above the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,660/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $4,545/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $165,917/year as the survival floor and $209,579/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Martha's Vineyard
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Martha's Vineyard?
A family with kids needs approximately $209,579/year ($17,465/month gross) to live comfortably in Martha's Vineyard with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Martha's Vineyard?
A 3br apartment/house in Martha's Vineyard costs approximately $1,660/month, which is the largest single expense at 17% of the total budget.
Is Martha's Vineyard affordable for a family with kids?
Martha's Vineyard is above the national average for family with kids living costs, requiring 39% more salary than the US median.