Salary Needed to Live in Idaho Falls as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $50,241/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $50,241/year to live comfortably in Idaho Falls, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $46,800/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,008.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,847/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,187/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$50,241
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$46,800
$3,900/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,847
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Idaho Falls
| Expense | Idaho Falls | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $806 | $1,448 | -44% |
| Groceries | $235 | $189 | +24% |
| Utilities | $151 | $183 | -17% |
| Transportation | $134 | $211 | -36% |
| Car Insurance | $168 | $215 | -22% |
| Health Insurance | $660 | $642 | +3% |
| Medicare Supplement | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Prescription Drugs | $135 | $150 | -10% |
| Internet + Phone | $108 | $120 | -10% |
| Recreation & Social | $180 | $200 | -10% |
| Home Maintenance | $90 | $100 | -10% |
| Total Monthly | $2,847 | $3,658 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,847
Target savings (5%):$161/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,008
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$50,241
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$806
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 28% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus ID state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$161/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
90/100
Idaho Falls 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 $806/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $693/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $46,800/year as the survival floor and $50,241/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Idaho Falls
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Idaho Falls?
A retiree needs approximately $50,241/year ($4,187/month gross) to live comfortably in Idaho Falls with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Idaho Falls?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Idaho Falls costs approximately $806/month, which is the largest single expense at 28% of the total budget.
Is Idaho Falls affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Idaho Falls is 22% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.