Salary Needed to Live in Provo as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $131,379/year to live comfortably in Provo, UT, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $131,379/year to live comfortably in Provo, UT. The bare-minimum salary is $104,384/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,760.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,350/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $10,948/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$131,379
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$104,384
$8,699/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,350
10% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Provo
| Expense | Provo | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,551 | $2,509 | -38% |
| Groceries | $829 | $528 | +57% |
| Utilities | $308 | $337 | -9% |
| Transportation | $538 | $526 | +2% |
| Car Insurance | $195 | $215 | -9% |
| Health Insurance | $459 | $642 | -29% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,272 | $1,200 | +6% |
| Internet + Phones | $191 | $180 | +6% |
| Children Activities | $265 | $250 | +6% |
| Dining Out | $371 | $350 | +6% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $212 | $200 | +6% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $159 | $150 | +6% |
| Total Monthly | $6,350 | $7,087 | -10% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,350
Target savings (15%):$1,410/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,760
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$131,379
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,551
3BR Apartment/House rent is 24% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus UT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,410/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
106/100
Provo is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,551/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,470/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $104,384/year as the survival floor and $131,379/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Provo
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Provo?
A family with kids needs approximately $131,379/year ($10,948/month gross) to live comfortably in Provo with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Provo?
A 3br apartment/house in Provo costs approximately $1,551/month, which is the largest single expense at 24% of the total budget.
Is Provo affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Provo is 10% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.