Salary Needed to Live in Odessa as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $114,740/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $114,740/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $91,792/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,002.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,737/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,562/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$114,740
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$91,792
$7,649/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,737
19% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Odessa
| Expense | Odessa | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,799 | $2,509 | -28% |
| Groceries | $447 | $528 | -15% |
| Utilities | $296 | $337 | -12% |
| Transportation | $501 | $526 | -5% |
| Car Insurance | $185 | $223 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $459 | $672 | -32% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,056 | $1,200 | -12% |
| Internet + Phones | $158 | $180 | -12% |
| Children Activities | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Dining Out | $308 | $350 | -12% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $5,737 | $7,125 | -19% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,737
Target savings (15%):$1,265/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,002
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$114,740
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,799
3BR Apartment/House rent is 31% 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%
$1,265/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Odessa 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 $1,799/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,050/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $91,792/year as the survival floor and $114,740/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Odessa
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Odessa?
A family with kids needs approximately $114,740/year ($9,562/month gross) to live comfortably in Odessa with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Odessa?
A 3br apartment/house in Odessa costs approximately $1,799/month, which is the largest single expense at 31% of the total budget.
Is Odessa affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Odessa is 19% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.