Salary Needed to Live in Bakersfield as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $20,082/year to live comfortably in Bakersfield, CA — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$20,082
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$18,707
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,138
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Bakersfield
| Expense | Bakersfield | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $110 | $121 | -9% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $18 | $16 | +13% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $13 | $15 | -13% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $18 | $18 | 0% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $163 | $215 | -24% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $46 | $54 | -15% |
| 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 | $1,138 | $1,209 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,138
Target savings (5%):$64/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,202
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$20,082
Other Household Types in Bakersfield
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Bakersfield?
A retiree needs approximately $20,082/year ($1,674/month gross) to live comfortably in Bakersfield with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Bakersfield?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Bakersfield costs approximately $110/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Bakersfield affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Bakersfield is 6% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.