Salary Needed to Live in Boise as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $55,924/year to live comfortably in Boise, ID, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $55,924/year to live comfortably in Boise, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $52,093/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,348.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,169/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,660/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$55,924
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$52,093
$4,341/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,169
13% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Boise
| Expense | Boise | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,085 | $1,448 | -25% |
| Groceries | $204 | $189 | +8% |
| Utilities | $165 | $183 | -10% |
| Transportation | $220 | $211 | +4% |
| Car Insurance | $166 | $215 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $528 | $642 | -18% |
| Medicare Supplement | $208 | $200 | +4% |
| Prescription Drugs | $156 | $150 | +4% |
| Internet + Phone | $125 | $120 | +4% |
| Recreation & Social | $208 | $200 | +4% |
| Home Maintenance | $104 | $100 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $3,169 | $3,658 | -13% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,169
Target savings (5%):$179/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,348
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$55,924
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,085
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 34% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$179/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
104/100
Boise 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 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $1,085/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $801/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $52,093/year as the survival floor and $55,924/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Boise
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Boise?
A retiree needs approximately $55,924/year ($4,660/month gross) to live comfortably in Boise with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Boise?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Boise costs approximately $1,085/month, which is the largest single expense at 34% of the total budget.
Is Boise affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Boise is 13% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.