Salary Needed to Live in Kenosha as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $53,026/year to live comfortably in Kenosha, WI, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $53,026/year to live comfortably in Kenosha, WI. The bare-minimum salary is $49,443/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,221.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,049/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,419/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$53,026
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$49,443
$4,120/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,049
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Kenosha
| Expense | Kenosha | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $890 | $1,448 | -39% |
| Groceries | $241 | $189 | +28% |
| Utilities | $187 | $183 | +2% |
| Transportation | $207 | $211 | -2% |
| Car Insurance | $159 | $211 | -25% |
| Health Insurance | $657 | $630 | +4% |
| Medicare Supplement | $184 | $200 | -8% |
| Prescription Drugs | $138 | $150 | -8% |
| Internet + Phone | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Recreation & Social | $184 | $200 | -8% |
| Home Maintenance | $92 | $100 | -8% |
| Total Monthly | $3,049 | $3,642 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,049
Target savings (5%):$172/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,221
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$53,026
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$890
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus WI state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$172/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
92/100
Kenosha is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $890/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $708/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $49,443/year as the survival floor and $53,026/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Kenosha
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Kenosha?
A retiree needs approximately $53,026/year ($4,419/month gross) to live comfortably in Kenosha with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Kenosha?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Kenosha costs approximately $890/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Kenosha affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Kenosha is 16% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.