Salary Needed to Live in Bellingham as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $22,871/year to live comfortably in Bellingham, WA — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$22,871
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$21,304
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,296
7% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Bellingham
| Expense | Bellingham | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $143 | $121 | +18% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $21 | $16 | +31% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $14 | $15 | -7% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $19 | $18 | +6% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $163 | $215 | -24% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $58 | $54 | +7% |
| Medicare Supplement | $228 | $200 | +14% |
| Prescription Drugs | $171 | $150 | +14% |
| Internet + Phone | $137 | $120 | +14% |
| Recreation & Social | $228 | $200 | +14% |
| Home Maintenance | $114 | $100 | +14% |
| Total Monthly | $1,296 | $1,209 | +7% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,296
Target savings (5%):$73/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,369
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$22,871
Other Household Types in Bellingham
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Bellingham?
A retiree needs approximately $22,871/year ($1,906/month gross) to live comfortably in Bellingham with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Bellingham?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Bellingham costs approximately $143/month, which is the largest single expense at 11% of the total budget.
Is Bellingham affordable for a retiree?
Bellingham is roughly average for retiree costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.