Salary Needed to Live in Fayetteville as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $45,754/year to live comfortably in Fayetteville, AR, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $45,754/year to live comfortably in Fayetteville, AR. The bare-minimum salary is $42,704/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,820.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,669/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,813/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$45,754
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$42,704
$3,559/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,669
28% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Fayetteville
| Expense | Fayetteville | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $839 | $1,448 | -42% |
| Groceries | $217 | $189 | +15% |
| Utilities | $138 | $183 | -25% |
| Transportation | $127 | $211 | -40% |
| Car Insurance | $128 | $223 | -43% |
| Health Insurance | $534 | $672 | -21% |
| Medicare Supplement | $178 | $200 | -11% |
| Prescription Drugs | $134 | $150 | -11% |
| Internet + Phone | $107 | $120 | -11% |
| Recreation & Social | $178 | $200 | -11% |
| Home Maintenance | $89 | $100 | -11% |
| Total Monthly | $2,669 | $3,696 | -28% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,669
Target savings (5%):$151/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,820
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$45,754
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$839
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 31% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus AR state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$151/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
89/100
Fayetteville 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 $839/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $686/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $42,704/year as the survival floor and $45,754/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Fayetteville
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Fayetteville?
A retiree needs approximately $45,754/year ($3,813/month gross) to live comfortably in Fayetteville with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Fayetteville?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Fayetteville costs approximately $839/month, which is the largest single expense at 31% of the total budget.
Is Fayetteville affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Fayetteville is 28% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.