Salary Needed to Live in Reno as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $60,565/year to live comfortably in Reno, NV, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $60,565/year to live comfortably in Reno, NV. The bare-minimum salary is $56,416/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,626.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,432/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,047/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$60,565
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$56,416
$4,701/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,432
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Reno
| Expense | Reno | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,167 | $1,448 | -19% |
| Groceries | $277 | $189 | +47% |
| Utilities | $167 | $183 | -9% |
| Transportation | $188 | $211 | -11% |
| Car Insurance | $136 | $215 | -37% |
| Health Insurance | $665 | $642 | +4% |
| Medicare Supplement | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Prescription Drugs | $162 | $150 | +8% |
| Internet + Phone | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Recreation & Social | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Home Maintenance | $108 | $100 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $3,432 | $3,658 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,432
Target savings (5%):$194/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,626
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$60,565
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,167
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 34% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus NV state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$194/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
108/100
Reno 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 $1,167/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $832/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $56,416/year as the survival floor and $60,565/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Reno
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Reno?
A retiree needs approximately $60,565/year ($5,047/month gross) to live comfortably in Reno with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Reno?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Reno costs approximately $1,167/month, which is the largest single expense at 34% of the total budget.
Is Reno affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Reno is 6% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.