Salary Needed to Live in Helena as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $20,100/year to live comfortably in Helena, MT — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$20,100
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$18,723
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,139
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Helena
| Expense | Helena | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $118 | $121 | -2% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $19 | $16 | +19% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $13 | $15 | -13% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $12 | $18 | -33% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $168 | $215 | -22% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $54 | $54 | 0% |
| Medicare Supplement | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Prescription Drugs | $147 | $150 | -2% |
| Internet + Phone | $118 | $120 | -2% |
| Recreation & Social | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Home Maintenance | $98 | $100 | -2% |
| Total Monthly | $1,139 | $1,209 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,139
Target savings (5%):$64/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,203
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$20,100
Other Household Types in Helena
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Helena?
A retiree needs approximately $20,100/year ($1,675/month gross) to live comfortably in Helena with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Helena?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Helena costs approximately $118/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Helena affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Helena is 6% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.