Salary Needed to Live in Cheyenne as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $47,365/year to live comfortably in Cheyenne, WY, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $47,365/year to live comfortably in Cheyenne, WY. The bare-minimum salary is $44,121/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,836.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,684/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,947/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$47,365
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,121
$3,677/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,684
27% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Cheyenne
| Expense | Cheyenne | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $839 | $1,448 | -42% |
| Groceries | $161 | $189 | -15% |
| Utilities | $163 | $183 | -11% |
| Transportation | $180 | $211 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $157 | $215 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $452 | $642 | -30% |
| Medicare Supplement | $190 | $200 | -5% |
| Prescription Drugs | $143 | $150 | -5% |
| Internet + Phone | $114 | $120 | -5% |
| Recreation & Social | $190 | $200 | -5% |
| Home Maintenance | $95 | $100 | -5% |
| Total Monthly | $2,684 | $3,658 | -27% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,684
Target savings (5%):$152/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,836
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$47,365
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$839
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 31% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus WY state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$152/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
95/100
Cheyenne is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby west Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $839/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $732/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $44,121/year as the survival floor and $47,365/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Cheyenne
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Cheyenne?
A retiree needs approximately $47,365/year ($3,947/month gross) to live comfortably in Cheyenne with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Cheyenne?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Cheyenne costs approximately $839/month, which is the largest single expense at 31% of the total budget.
Is Cheyenne affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Cheyenne is 27% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.