Salary Needed to Live in Chattanooga as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $17,143/year to live comfortably in Chattanooga, TN — including 5% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$17,143
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$16,000
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,000
18% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Chattanooga
| Expense | Chattanooga | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $84 | $121 | -31% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $17 | $16 | +6% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $11 | $15 | -27% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $10 | $18 | -44% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $54 | $56 | -4% |
| 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 | $1,000 | $1,219 | -18% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,000
Target savings (5%):$56/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,056
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$17,143
Other Household Types in Chattanooga
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Chattanooga?
A retiree needs approximately $17,143/year ($1,429/month gross) to live comfortably in Chattanooga with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Chattanooga?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Chattanooga costs approximately $84/month, which is the largest single expense at 8% of the total budget.
Is Chattanooga affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Chattanooga is 18% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.