Salary Needed to Live in Pueblo as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $51,143/year to live comfortably in Pueblo, CO, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $51,143/year to live comfortably in Pueblo, CO. The bare-minimum salary is $44,137/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,031.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,685/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,262/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$51,143
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,137
$3,678/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,685
24% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Pueblo
| Expense | Pueblo | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $757 | $1,351 | -44% |
| Groceries | $168 | $207 | -19% |
| Utilities | $144 | $169 | -15% |
| Transportation | $293 | $316 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $197 | $215 | -8% |
| Health Insurance | $571 | $642 | -11% |
| Internet | $56 | $65 | -14% |
| Phone | $73 | $85 | -14% |
| Dining & Social | $258 | $300 | -14% |
| Entertainment | $103 | $120 | -14% |
| Personal Care | $65 | $75 | -13% |
| Total Monthly | $2,685 | $3,545 | -24% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,685
Target savings (10%):$346/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,031
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$51,143
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$757
Studio/1BR rent is 28% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus CO state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$346/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Pueblo 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 studio/1br housing near $757/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $555/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $44,137/year as the survival floor and $51,143/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Pueblo
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Pueblo?
A single person needs approximately $51,143/year ($4,262/month gross) to live comfortably in Pueblo with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Pueblo?
A studio/1br in Pueblo costs approximately $757/month, which is the largest single expense at 28% of the total budget.
Is Pueblo affordable for a single person?
Yes, Pueblo is 24% more affordable than the national average for a single person.