Salary Needed to Live in Abilene as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $49,149/year to live comfortably in Abilene, TX, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $49,149/year to live comfortably in Abilene, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $45,872/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,029.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,867/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,096/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$49,149
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$45,872
$3,823/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,867
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Abilene
| Expense | Abilene | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $868 | $1,448 | -40% |
| Groceries | $213 | $189 | +13% |
| Utilities | $154 | $183 | -16% |
| Transportation | $180 | $211 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $139 | $223 | -38% |
| Health Insurance | $682 | $672 | +1% |
| Medicare Supplement | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Prescription Drugs | $123 | $150 | -18% |
| Internet + Phone | $98 | $120 | -18% |
| Recreation & Social | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Home Maintenance | $82 | $100 | -18% |
| Total Monthly | $2,867 | $3,696 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,867
Target savings (5%):$162/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,029
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$49,149
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$868
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$162/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
82/100
Abilene 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 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $868/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $631/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $45,872/year as the survival floor and $49,149/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Abilene
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Abilene?
A retiree needs approximately $49,149/year ($4,096/month gross) to live comfortably in Abilene with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Abilene?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Abilene costs approximately $868/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Abilene affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Abilene is 22% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.