Salary Needed to Live in Lafayette as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $47,537/year to live comfortably in Lafayette, LA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $47,537/year to live comfortably in Lafayette, LA. The bare-minimum salary is $44,368/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,929.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,773/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,961/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$47,537
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,368
$3,697/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,773
25% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Lafayette
| Expense | Lafayette | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $825 | $1,448 | -43% |
| Groceries | $229 | $189 | +21% |
| Utilities | $151 | $183 | -17% |
| Transportation | $179 | $211 | -15% |
| Car Insurance | $150 | $223 | -33% |
| Health Insurance | $577 | $672 | -14% |
| Medicare Supplement | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Prescription Drugs | $129 | $150 | -14% |
| Internet + Phone | $103 | $120 | -14% |
| Recreation & Social | $172 | $200 | -14% |
| Home Maintenance | $86 | $100 | -14% |
| Total Monthly | $2,773 | $3,696 | -25% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,773
Target savings (5%):$156/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,929
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$47,537
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$825
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus LA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$156/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Lafayette 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 $825/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $662/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $44,368/year as the survival floor and $47,537/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Lafayette
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Lafayette?
A retiree needs approximately $47,537/year ($3,961/month gross) to live comfortably in Lafayette with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Lafayette?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Lafayette costs approximately $825/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Lafayette affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Lafayette is 25% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.