Salary Needed to Live in College Station as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $51,789/year to live comfortably in College Station, TX, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $51,789/year to live comfortably in College Station, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $48,336/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,191.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,021/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,316/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$51,789
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$48,336
$4,028/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,021
18% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in College Station
| Expense | College Station | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $896 | $1,448 | -38% |
| Groceries | $214 | $189 | +13% |
| Utilities | $170 | $183 | -7% |
| Transportation | $159 | $211 | -25% |
| Car Insurance | $191 | $223 | -14% |
| Health Insurance | $713 | $672 | +6% |
| Medicare Supplement | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Prescription Drugs | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Internet + Phone | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Recreation & Social | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Home Maintenance | $88 | $100 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $3,021 | $3,696 | -18% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,021
Target savings (5%):$170/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,191
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$51,789
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$896
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$170/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
College Station is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby south Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $896/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $678/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $48,336/year as the survival floor and $51,789/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in College Station
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in College Station?
A retiree needs approximately $51,789/year ($4,316/month gross) to live comfortably in College Station with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in College Station?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in College Station costs approximately $896/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is College Station affordable for a retiree?
Yes, College Station is 18% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.