Salary Needed to Live in Great Falls as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $44,435/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $44,435/year to live comfortably in Great Falls, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $41,392/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,660.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,518/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,703/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$44,435
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$41,392
$3,449/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,518
31% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Great Falls
| Expense | Great Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $675 | $1,448 | -53% |
| Groceries | $223 | $189 | +18% |
| Utilities | $131 | $183 | -28% |
| Transportation | $177 | $211 | -16% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $215 | -18% |
| Health Insurance | $458 | $642 | -29% |
| Medicare Supplement | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Prescription Drugs | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Internet + Phone | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Recreation & Social | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Home Maintenance | $88 | $100 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,518 | $3,658 | -31% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,518
Target savings (5%):$142/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,660
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$44,435
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$675
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$142/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Great Falls 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 $675/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $678/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $41,392/year as the survival floor and $44,435/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Great Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Great Falls?
A retiree needs approximately $44,435/year ($3,703/month gross) to live comfortably in Great Falls with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Great Falls?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Great Falls costs approximately $675/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Great Falls affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Great Falls is 31% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.