Salary Needed to Live in Meridian as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $62,559/year to live comfortably in Meridian, ID, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $62,559/year to live comfortably in Meridian, ID. The bare-minimum salary is $58,274/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,745.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,545/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,213/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$62,559
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$58,274
$4,856/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,545
3% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Meridian
| Expense | Meridian | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,405 | $1,448 | -3% |
| Groceries | $230 | $189 | +22% |
| Utilities | $149 | $183 | -19% |
| Transportation | $192 | $211 | -9% |
| Car Insurance | $202 | $215 | -6% |
| Health Insurance | $582 | $642 | -9% |
| Medicare Supplement | $204 | $200 | +2% |
| Prescription Drugs | $153 | $150 | +2% |
| Internet + Phone | $122 | $120 | +2% |
| Recreation & Social | $204 | $200 | +2% |
| Home Maintenance | $102 | $100 | +2% |
| Total Monthly | $3,545 | $3,658 | -3% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,545
Target savings (5%):$200/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,745
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$62,559
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,405
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 40% 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%
$200/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
102/100
Meridian is close to 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 $1,405/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $785/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $58,274/year as the survival floor and $62,559/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Meridian
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Meridian?
A retiree needs approximately $62,559/year ($5,213/month gross) to live comfortably in Meridian with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Meridian?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Meridian costs approximately $1,405/month, which is the largest single expense at 40% of the total budget.
Is Meridian affordable for a retiree?
Meridian is roughly average for retiree costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.