Salary Needed to Live in Augusta as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $116,905/year to live comfortably in Augusta, ME, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $116,905/year to live comfortably in Augusta, ME. The bare-minimum salary is $92,550/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,791.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,553/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,742/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$116,905
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$92,550
$7,713/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,553
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Augusta
| Expense | Augusta | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,195 | $2,509 | -52% |
| Groceries | $528 | $528 | 0% |
| Utilities | $338 | $337 | 0% |
| Transportation | $505 | $526 | -4% |
| Car Insurance | $205 | $229 | -10% |
| Health Insurance | $545 | $690 | -21% |
| 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 | $5,553 | $7,149 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,553
Target savings (15%):$1,238/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,791
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$116,905
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,195
3BR Apartment/House rent is 22% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus ME state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,238/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Augusta is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,195/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,237/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $92,550/year as the survival floor and $116,905/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Augusta
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Augusta?
A family with kids needs approximately $116,905/year ($9,742/month gross) to live comfortably in Augusta with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Augusta?
A 3br apartment/house in Augusta costs approximately $1,195/month, which is the largest single expense at 22% of the total budget.
Is Augusta affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Augusta is 22% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.