Salary Needed to Live in Charleston as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $17,589/year to live comfortably in Charleston, WV — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,589
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,416
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,026
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Charleston
| Expense | Charleston | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $102 | $121 | -16% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $19 | $16 | +19% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $10 | $15 | -33% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $16 | $18 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $173 | $223 | -22% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $44 | $56 | -21% |
| Medicare Supplement | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Prescription Drugs | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Internet + Phone | $103 | $120 | -14% |
| Recreation & Social | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Home Maintenance | $86 | $100 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $1,026 | $1,219 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,026
Target savings (5%):$58/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,084
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,589
Other Household Types in Charleston
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Charleston?
A retiree needs approximately $17,589/year ($1,466/month gross) to live comfortably in Charleston with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Charleston?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Charleston costs approximately $102/month, which is the largest single expense at 10% of the total budget.
Is Charleston affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Charleston is 16% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.