Salary Needed to Live in Medford as a Couple
A couple sharing expenses without children needs approximately $79,082/year to live comfortably in Medford, OR, including 12% savings.
Direct Answer
A couple (no kids) needs about $79,082/year to live comfortably in Medford, OR. The bare-minimum salary is $66,082/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 12% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $4,676.
The minimum scenario leaves about $4,020/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $6,590/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$79,082
with 12% savings
Bare Minimum
$66,082
$5,507/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,020
9% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Couple in Medford
| Expense | Medford | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Apartment Rent | $1,170 | $1,641 | -29% |
| Groceries | $466 | $320 | +46% |
| Utilities | $186 | $225 | -17% |
| Transportation | $362 | $421 | -14% |
| Car Insurance | $207 | $215 | -4% |
| Health Insurance | $644 | $642 | 0% |
| Internet | $66 | $65 | +2% |
| Phone (x2) | $143 | $140 | +2% |
| Dining & Social | $459 | $450 | +2% |
| Entertainment | $184 | $180 | +2% |
| Personal Care (x2) | $133 | $130 | +2% |
| Total Monthly | $4,020 | $4,429 | -9% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,020
Target savings (12%):$656/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$4,676
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$79,082
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,170
1-2BR Apartment rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus OR state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
12%
$656/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
102/100
Medford 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 apartment housing near $1,170/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $985/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone (x2).
- Use $66,082/year as the survival floor and $79,082/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Medford
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a couple (no kids) need in Medford?
A couple (no kids) needs approximately $79,082/year ($6,590/month gross) to live comfortably in Medford with a 12% savings rate.
How much is rent for a couple (no kids) in Medford?
A 1-2br apartment in Medford costs approximately $1,170/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Medford affordable for a couple (no kids)?
Yes, Medford is 9% more affordable than the national average for a couple (no kids).