Salary Needed to Live in Laramie as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $45,900/year to live comfortably in Laramie, WY, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $45,900/year to live comfortably in Laramie, WY. The bare-minimum salary is $42,756/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,748.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,601/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,825/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$45,900
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$42,756
$3,563/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,601
29% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Laramie
| Expense | Laramie | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $694 | $1,448 | -52% |
| Groceries | $188 | $189 | -1% |
| Utilities | $152 | $183 | -17% |
| Transportation | $150 | $211 | -29% |
| Car Insurance | $181 | $215 | -16% |
| Health Insurance | $512 | $642 | -20% |
| Medicare Supplement | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Prescription Drugs | $141 | $150 | -6% |
| Internet + Phone | $113 | $120 | -6% |
| Recreation & Social | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Home Maintenance | $94 | $100 | -6% |
| Total Monthly | $2,601 | $3,658 | -29% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,601
Target savings (5%):$147/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,748
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$45,900
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$694
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus WY state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$147/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Laramie 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 $694/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $724/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $42,756/year as the survival floor and $45,900/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Laramie
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Laramie?
A retiree needs approximately $45,900/year ($3,825/month gross) to live comfortably in Laramie with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Laramie?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Laramie costs approximately $694/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Laramie affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Laramie is 29% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.