Salary Needed to Live in Bismarck as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $48,817/year to live comfortably in Bismarck, ND, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $48,817/year to live comfortably in Bismarck, ND. The bare-minimum salary is $45,519/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,965.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,807/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,068/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$48,817
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$45,519
$3,793/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,807
23% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Bismarck
| Expense | Bismarck | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $749 | $1,448 | -48% |
| Groceries | $191 | $189 | +1% |
| Utilities | $185 | $183 | +1% |
| Transportation | $158 | $211 | -25% |
| Car Insurance | $204 | $211 | -3% |
| Health Insurance | $596 | $630 | -5% |
| Medicare Supplement | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Prescription Drugs | $141 | $150 | -6% |
| Internet + Phone | $113 | $120 | -6% |
| Recreation & Social | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Home Maintenance | $94 | $100 | -6% |
| Total Monthly | $2,807 | $3,642 | -23% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,807
Target savings (5%):$158/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,965
Effective tax rate:26%
Gross annual salary needed:$48,817
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$749
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 27% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
26%
Estimated federal plus ND state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$158/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Bismarck is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby midwest Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $749/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $724/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $45,519/year as the survival floor and $48,817/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Bismarck
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Bismarck?
A retiree needs approximately $48,817/year ($4,068/month gross) to live comfortably in Bismarck with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Bismarck?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Bismarck costs approximately $749/month, which is the largest single expense at 27% of the total budget.
Is Bismarck affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Bismarck is 23% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.