Salary Needed to Live in Glendale as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $55,853/year to live comfortably in Glendale, AZ, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $55,853/year to live comfortably in Glendale, AZ. The bare-minimum salary is $52,027/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,344.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,165/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,654/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$55,853
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$52,027
$4,336/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,165
13% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Glendale
| Expense | Glendale | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,146 | $1,448 | -21% |
| Groceries | $244 | $189 | +29% |
| Utilities | $128 | $183 | -30% |
| Transportation | $180 | $211 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $179 | $215 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $541 | $642 | -16% |
| Medicare Supplement | $194 | $200 | -3% |
| Prescription Drugs | $146 | $150 | -3% |
| Internet + Phone | $116 | $120 | -3% |
| Recreation & Social | $194 | $200 | -3% |
| Home Maintenance | $97 | $100 | -3% |
| Total Monthly | $3,165 | $3,658 | -13% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,165
Target savings (5%):$179/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,344
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$55,853
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,146
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 36% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus AZ 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
97/100
Glendale 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 $1,146/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $747/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $52,027/year as the survival floor and $55,853/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Glendale
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Glendale?
A retiree needs approximately $55,853/year ($4,654/month gross) to live comfortably in Glendale with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Glendale?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Glendale costs approximately $1,146/month, which is the largest single expense at 36% of the total budget.
Is Glendale affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Glendale is 13% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.