Salary Needed to Live in Hattiesburg as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $43,800/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $43,800/year to live comfortably in Hattiesburg, MS. The bare-minimum salary is $40,880/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,699.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,555/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,650/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$43,800
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$40,880
$3,407/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,555
31% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Hattiesburg
| Expense | Hattiesburg | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $754 | $1,448 | -48% |
| Groceries | $202 | $189 | +7% |
| Utilities | $118 | $183 | -36% |
| Transportation | $196 | $211 | -7% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $522 | $672 | -22% |
| Medicare Supplement | $156 | $200 | -22% |
| Prescription Drugs | $117 | $150 | -22% |
| Internet + Phone | $94 | $120 | -22% |
| Recreation & Social | $156 | $200 | -22% |
| Home Maintenance | $78 | $100 | -22% |
| Total Monthly | $2,555 | $3,696 | -31% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,555
Target savings (5%):$144/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,699
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$43,800
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$754
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus MS state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$144/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
78/100
Hattiesburg 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 $754/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $601/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $40,880/year as the survival floor and $43,800/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Hattiesburg
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Hattiesburg?
A retiree needs approximately $43,800/year ($3,650/month gross) to live comfortably in Hattiesburg with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Hattiesburg?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Hattiesburg costs approximately $754/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Hattiesburg affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Hattiesburg is 31% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.