Salary Needed to Live in Arlington as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $56,691/year to live comfortably in Arlington, TX, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $56,691/year to live comfortably in Arlington, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $52,912/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,493.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,307/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,724/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$56,691
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$52,912
$4,409/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,307
11% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Arlington
| Expense | Arlington | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,103 | $1,448 | -24% |
| Groceries | $178 | $189 | -6% |
| Utilities | $181 | $183 | -1% |
| Transportation | $199 | $211 | -6% |
| Car Insurance | $155 | $223 | -30% |
| Health Insurance | $752 | $672 | +12% |
| Medicare Supplement | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Prescription Drugs | $144 | $150 | -4% |
| Internet + Phone | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Recreation & Social | $192 | $200 | -4% |
| Home Maintenance | $96 | $100 | -4% |
| Total Monthly | $3,307 | $3,696 | -11% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,307
Target savings (5%):$186/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,493
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$56,691
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,103
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 33% 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%
$186/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Arlington 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 $1,103/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $739/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $52,912/year as the survival floor and $56,691/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Arlington
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Arlington?
A retiree needs approximately $56,691/year ($4,724/month gross) to live comfortably in Arlington with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Arlington?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Arlington costs approximately $1,103/month, which is the largest single expense at 33% of the total budget.
Is Arlington affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Arlington is 11% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.