Salary Needed to Live in Daytona Beach as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $53,863/year to live comfortably in Daytona Beach, FL, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $53,863/year to live comfortably in Daytona Beach, FL. The bare-minimum salary is $50,272/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,319.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,142/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,489/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$53,863
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$50,272
$4,189/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,142
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Daytona Beach
| Expense | Daytona Beach | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $996 | $1,448 | -31% |
| Groceries | $189 | $189 | 0% |
| Utilities | $183 | $183 | 0% |
| Transportation | $197 | $211 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $189 | $223 | -15% |
| Health Insurance | $664 | $672 | -1% |
| 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 | $3,142 | $3,696 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,142
Target savings (5%):$177/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,319
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$53,863
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$996
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 32% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus FL state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$177/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Daytona Beach 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 $996/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $724/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $50,272/year as the survival floor and $53,863/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Daytona Beach
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Daytona Beach?
A retiree needs approximately $53,863/year ($4,489/month gross) to live comfortably in Daytona Beach with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Daytona Beach?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Daytona Beach costs approximately $996/month, which is the largest single expense at 32% of the total budget.
Is Daytona Beach affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Daytona Beach is 15% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.