Salary Needed to Live in Arlington as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $127,680/year to live comfortably in Arlington, TX, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $127,680/year to live comfortably in Arlington, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $102,144/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,792.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,384/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $10,640/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$127,680
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$102,144
$8,512/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,384
10% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Arlington
| Expense | Arlington | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,911 | $2,509 | -24% |
| Groceries | $498 | $528 | -6% |
| Utilities | $335 | $337 | -1% |
| Transportation | $496 | $526 | -6% |
| Car Insurance | $155 | $223 | -30% |
| Health Insurance | $752 | $672 | +12% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,152 | $1,200 | -4% |
| Internet + Phones | $173 | $180 | -4% |
| Children Activities | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Dining Out | $336 | $350 | -4% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $144 | $150 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $6,384 | $7,125 | -10% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,384
Target savings (15%):$1,408/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,792
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$127,680
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,911
3BR Apartment/House rent is 30% 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%
$1,408/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Arlington 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 $1,911/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,237/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $102,144/year as the survival floor and $127,680/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Arlington
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Arlington?
A family with kids needs approximately $127,680/year ($10,640/month gross) to live comfortably in Arlington with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Arlington?
A 3br apartment/house in Arlington costs approximately $1,911/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Arlington affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Arlington is 10% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.