Salary Needed to Live in Pocatello as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $46,482/year to live comfortably in Pocatello, ID, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $46,482/year to live comfortably in Pocatello, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $43,299/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,783.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,634/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,874/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$46,482
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$43,299
$3,608/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,634
28% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Pocatello
| Expense | Pocatello | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $711 | $1,448 | -51% |
| Groceries | $243 | $189 | +29% |
| Utilities | $172 | $183 | -6% |
| Transportation | $172 | $211 | -18% |
| Car Insurance | $125 | $215 | -42% |
| Health Insurance | $549 | $642 | -14% |
| Medicare Supplement | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Prescription Drugs | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Internet + Phone | $103 | $120 | -14% |
| Recreation & Social | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Home Maintenance | $86 | $100 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $2,634 | $3,658 | -28% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,634
Target savings (5%):$149/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,783
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,482
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$711
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$149/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Pocatello 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 $711/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $662/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $43,299/year as the survival floor and $46,482/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Pocatello
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Pocatello?
A retiree needs approximately $46,482/year ($3,874/month gross) to live comfortably in Pocatello with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Pocatello?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Pocatello costs approximately $711/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Pocatello affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Pocatello is 28% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.