Salary Needed to Live in Tyler as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $111,020/year to live comfortably in Tyler, TX, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $111,020/year to live comfortably in Tyler, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $88,816/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,776.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,551/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,252/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$111,020
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$88,816
$7,401/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,551
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Tyler
| Expense | Tyler | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,628 | $2,509 | -35% |
| Groceries | $578 | $528 | +9% |
| Utilities | $182 | $337 | -46% |
| Transportation | $468 | $526 | -11% |
| Car Insurance | $164 | $223 | -26% |
| Health Insurance | $574 | $672 | -15% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,008 | $1,200 | -16% |
| Internet + Phones | $151 | $180 | -16% |
| Children Activities | $210 | $250 | -16% |
| Dining Out | $294 | $350 | -16% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $168 | $200 | -16% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $126 | $150 | -16% |
| Total Monthly | $5,551 | $7,125 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,551
Target savings (15%):$1,225/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,776
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$111,020
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,628
3BR Apartment/House rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,225/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
84/100
Tyler is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,628/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $1,957/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $88,816/year as the survival floor and $111,020/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Tyler
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Tyler?
A family with kids needs approximately $111,020/year ($9,252/month gross) to live comfortably in Tyler with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Tyler?
A 3br apartment/house in Tyler costs approximately $1,628/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Tyler affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Tyler is 22% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.