Salary Needed to Live in Jacksonville as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $54,103/year to live comfortably in Jacksonville, FL, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $54,103/year to live comfortably in Jacksonville, FL. The bare-minimum salary is $50,496/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,334.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,156/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,509/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$54,103
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$50,496
$4,208/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,156
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Jacksonville
| Expense | Jacksonville | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,099 | $1,448 | -24% |
| Groceries | $241 | $189 | +28% |
| Utilities | $195 | $183 | +7% |
| Transportation | $190 | $211 | -10% |
| Car Insurance | $185 | $223 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $507 | $672 | -25% |
| 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 | $3,156 | $3,696 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,156
Target savings (5%):$178/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,334
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$54,103
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,099
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 35% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus FL state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$178/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
96/100
Jacksonville 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 $1,099/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $739/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $50,496/year as the survival floor and $54,103/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Jacksonville
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Jacksonville?
A retiree needs approximately $54,103/year ($4,509/month gross) to live comfortably in Jacksonville with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Jacksonville?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Jacksonville costs approximately $1,099/month, which is the largest single expense at 35% of the total budget.
Is Jacksonville affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Jacksonville is 15% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.