Salary Needed to Live in Pueblo as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $48,476/year to live comfortably in Pueblo, CO, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $48,476/year to live comfortably in Pueblo, CO. The bare-minimum salary is $45,156/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,902.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,747/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,040/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$48,476
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$45,156
$3,763/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,747
25% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Pueblo
| Expense | Pueblo | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $812 | $1,448 | -44% |
| Groceries | $153 | $189 | -19% |
| Utilities | $156 | $183 | -15% |
| Transportation | $196 | $211 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $197 | $215 | -8% |
| Health Insurance | $571 | $642 | -11% |
| 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 | $2,747 | $3,658 | -25% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,747
Target savings (5%):$155/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,902
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$48,476
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$812
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus CO state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$155/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Pueblo 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 $812/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $662/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $45,156/year as the survival floor and $48,476/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Pueblo
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Pueblo?
A retiree needs approximately $48,476/year ($4,040/month gross) to live comfortably in Pueblo with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Pueblo?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Pueblo costs approximately $812/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Pueblo affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Pueblo is 25% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.