Salary Needed to Live in Little Rock as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $46,749/year to live comfortably in Little Rock, AR, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $46,749/year to live comfortably in Little Rock, AR. The bare-minimum salary is $43,632/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,881.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,727/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,896/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$46,749
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$43,632
$3,636/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,727
26% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Little Rock
| Expense | Little Rock | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $830 | $1,448 | -43% |
| Groceries | $193 | $189 | +2% |
| Utilities | $154 | $183 | -16% |
| Transportation | $175 | $211 | -17% |
| Car Insurance | $204 | $223 | -9% |
| Health Insurance | $509 | $672 | -24% |
| 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 | $2,727 | $3,696 | -26% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,727
Target savings (5%):$154/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,881
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$46,749
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$830
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 30% 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%
$154/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
86/100
Little Rock 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 $830/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $662/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $43,632/year as the survival floor and $46,749/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Little Rock
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Little Rock?
A retiree needs approximately $46,749/year ($3,896/month gross) to live comfortably in Little Rock with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Little Rock?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Little Rock costs approximately $830/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Little Rock affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Little Rock is 26% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.