Salary Needed to Live in Jackson as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $46,303/year to live comfortably in Jackson, MS, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $46,303/year to live comfortably in Jackson, MS. The bare-minimum salary is $43,216/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,853.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,701/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,859/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$46,303
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$43,216
$3,601/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,701
27% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Jackson
| Expense | Jackson | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $826 | $1,448 | -43% |
| Groceries | $226 | $189 | +20% |
| Utilities | $142 | $183 | -22% |
| Transportation | $134 | $211 | -36% |
| Car Insurance | $202 | $223 | -9% |
| Health Insurance | $555 | $672 | -17% |
| Medicare Supplement | $160 | $200 | -20% |
| Prescription Drugs | $120 | $150 | -20% |
| Internet + Phone | $96 | $120 | -20% |
| Recreation & Social | $160 | $200 | -20% |
| Home Maintenance | $80 | $100 | -20% |
| Total Monthly | $2,701 | $3,696 | -27% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,701
Target savings (5%):$152/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,853
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,303
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$826
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 31% 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%
$152/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
80/100
Jackson 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 $826/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $616/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $43,216/year as the survival floor and $46,303/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Jackson
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Jackson?
A retiree needs approximately $46,303/year ($3,859/month gross) to live comfortably in Jackson with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Jackson?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Jackson costs approximately $826/month, which is the largest single expense at 31% of the total budget.
Is Jackson affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Jackson is 27% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.