Salary Needed to Live in Scranton as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $114,463/year to live comfortably in Scranton, PA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $114,463/year to live comfortably in Scranton, PA. The bare-minimum salary is $90,617/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $6,649.
The minimum scenario leaves about $5,437/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $9,539/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$114,463
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$90,617
$7,551/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$5,437
24% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Scranton
| Expense | Scranton | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,362 | $2,509 | -46% |
| Groceries | $596 | $528 | +13% |
| Utilities | $301 | $337 | -11% |
| Transportation | $338 | $526 | -36% |
| Car Insurance | $174 | $229 | -24% |
| Health Insurance | $662 | $690 | -4% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,032 | $1,200 | -14% |
| Internet + Phones | $155 | $180 | -14% |
| Children Activities | $215 | $250 | -14% |
| Dining Out | $301 | $350 | -14% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $5,437 | $7,149 | -24% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$5,437
Target savings (15%):$1,212/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$6,649
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$114,463
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,362
3BR Apartment/House rent is 25% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus PA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,212/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Scranton 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 $1,362/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,004/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $90,617/year as the survival floor and $114,463/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Scranton
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Scranton?
A family with kids needs approximately $114,463/year ($9,539/month gross) to live comfortably in Scranton with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Scranton?
A 3br apartment/house in Scranton costs approximately $1,362/month, which is the largest single expense at 25% of the total budget.
Is Scranton affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Scranton is 24% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.