Salary Needed to Live in Rochester as a Family

A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $55,032/year to live comfortably in Rochester, NY — including 15% savings.

Comfortable Salary
$55,032
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$43,567
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,614
11% below national avg

Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Rochester

ExpenseRochesterNat'l AvgDiff
🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent$146$209-30%
🛒 Groceries$56$44+27%
⚡ Utilities$23$28-18%
🚗 Transportation$41$44-7%
🛡️ Car Insurance$199$229-13%
🏥 Health Insurance$52$58-10%
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$2,614$2,942-11%

How We Calculated the Salary

Monthly expenses:$2,614
Target savings (15%):$583/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,197
Effective tax rate:28%

Gross annual salary needed:$55,032

Other Household Types in Rochester

Single Person
$18,794/yr
$971/mo expenses
Couple (No Kids)
$25,960/yr
$1,298/mo expenses
Retiree
$19,290/yr
$1,077/mo expenses

Related Pages

Living Alone in RochesterCity OverviewAfford on $75K?Afford on $100K?Cost of Living

FAQ

What salary does a family with kids need in Rochester?
A family with kids needs approximately $55,032/year ($4,586/month gross) to live comfortably in Rochester with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Rochester?
A 3br apartment/house in Rochester costs approximately $146/month, which is the largest single expense at 6% of the total budget.
Is Rochester affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Rochester is 11% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.
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