Salary Needed to Live in Lowell as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $149,095/year to live comfortably in Lowell, MA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $149,095/year to live comfortably in Lowell, MA. The bare-minimum salary is $118,033/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $8,661.
The minimum scenario leaves about $7,082/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $12,425/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$149,095
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$118,033
$9,836/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$7,082
1% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Lowell
| Expense | Lowell | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $2,098 | $2,509 | -16% |
| Groceries | $622 | $528 | +18% |
| Utilities | $323 | $337 | -4% |
| Transportation | $455 | $526 | -13% |
| Car Insurance | $211 | $229 | -8% |
| Health Insurance | $810 | $690 | +17% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,320 | $1,200 | +10% |
| Internet + Phones | $198 | $180 | +10% |
| Children Activities | $275 | $250 | +10% |
| Dining Out | $385 | $350 | +10% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $220 | $200 | +10% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $165 | $150 | +10% |
| Total Monthly | $7,082 | $7,149 | -1% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$7,082
Target savings (15%):$1,579/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$8,661
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$149,095
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$2,098
3BR Apartment/House rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus MA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,579/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
110/100
Lowell is close to 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 $2,098/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,563/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $118,033/year as the survival floor and $149,095/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Lowell
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Lowell?
A family with kids needs approximately $149,095/year ($12,425/month gross) to live comfortably in Lowell with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Lowell?
A 3br apartment/house in Lowell costs approximately $2,098/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Lowell affordable for a family with kids?
Lowell is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.