Salary Needed to Live in Pierre as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $114,000/year to live comfortably in Pierre, SD, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $114,000/year to live comfortably in Pierre, SD. The bare-minimum salary is $90,892/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,846.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,605/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,500/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$114,000
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$90,892
$7,574/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,605
21% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Pierre
| Expense | Pierre | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,278 | $2,509 | -49% |
| Groceries | $650 | $528 | +23% |
| Utilities | $294 | $337 | -13% |
| Transportation | $513 | $526 | -2% |
| Car Insurance | $164 | $211 | -22% |
| Health Insurance | $609 | $630 | -3% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,080 | $1,200 | -10% |
| Internet + Phones | $162 | $180 | -10% |
| Children Activities | $225 | $250 | -10% |
| Dining Out | $315 | $350 | -10% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $135 | $150 | -10% |
| Total Monthly | $5,605 | $7,071 | -21% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,605
Target savings (15%):$1,241/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,846
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$114,000
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,278
3BR Apartment/House rent is 23% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus SD state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,241/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
90/100
Pierre is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,278/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,097/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $90,892/year as the survival floor and $114,000/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Pierre
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Pierre?
A family with kids needs approximately $114,000/year ($9,500/month gross) to live comfortably in Pierre with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Pierre?
A 3br apartment/house in Pierre costs approximately $1,278/month, which is the largest single expense at 23% of the total budget.
Is Pierre affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Pierre is 21% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.