Salary Needed to Live in Raleigh as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $57,069/year to live comfortably in Raleigh, NC, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $57,069/year to live comfortably in Raleigh, NC. The bare-minimum salary is $53,264/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,517.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,329/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,756/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$57,069
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$53,264
$4,439/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,329
10% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Raleigh
| Expense | Raleigh | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,179 | $1,448 | -19% |
| Groceries | $238 | $189 | +26% |
| Utilities | $177 | $183 | -3% |
| Transportation | $188 | $211 | -11% |
| Car Insurance | $156 | $223 | -30% |
| Health Insurance | $621 | $672 | -8% |
| Medicare Supplement | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Prescription Drugs | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Internet + Phone | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Recreation & Social | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Home Maintenance | $100 | $100 | 0% |
| Total Monthly | $3,329 | $3,696 | -10% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,329
Target savings (5%):$188/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,517
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$57,069
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,179
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 35% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus NC state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$188/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
100/100
Raleigh 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 $1,179/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $770/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $53,264/year as the survival floor and $57,069/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Raleigh
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Raleigh?
A retiree needs approximately $57,069/year ($4,756/month gross) to live comfortably in Raleigh with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Raleigh?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Raleigh costs approximately $1,179/month, which is the largest single expense at 35% of the total budget.
Is Raleigh affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Raleigh is 10% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.