Salary Needed to Live in Pocatello as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $110,400/year to live comfortably in Pocatello, ID, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $110,400/year to live comfortably in Pocatello, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $87,715/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,521.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,336/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,200/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$110,400
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$87,715
$7,310/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,336
25% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Pocatello
| Expense | Pocatello | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,232 | $2,509 | -51% |
| Groceries | $680 | $528 | +29% |
| Utilities | $317 | $337 | -6% |
| Transportation | $429 | $526 | -18% |
| Car Insurance | $125 | $215 | -42% |
| Health Insurance | $549 | $642 | -14% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,032 | $1,200 | -14% |
| Internet + Phones | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Children Activities | $215 | $250 | -14% |
| Dining Out | $301 | $350 | -14% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $5,336 | $7,087 | -25% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,336
Target savings (15%):$1,185/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,521
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$110,400
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,232
3BR Apartment/House rent is 23% 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%
$1,185/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Pocatello 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 $1,232/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,004/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $87,715/year as the survival floor and $110,400/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Pocatello
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Pocatello?
A family with kids needs approximately $110,400/year ($9,200/month gross) to live comfortably in Pocatello with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Pocatello?
A 3br apartment/house in Pocatello costs approximately $1,232/month, which is the largest single expense at 23% of the total budget.
Is Pocatello affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Pocatello is 25% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.