Salary Needed to Live in Missoula as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $55,024/year to live comfortably in Missoula, MT, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $55,024/year to live comfortably in Missoula, MT. The bare-minimum salary is $51,255/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,294.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,118/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,585/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$55,024
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$51,255
$4,271/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,118
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Missoula
| Expense | Missoula | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $892 | $1,448 | -38% |
| Groceries | $277 | $189 | +47% |
| Utilities | $137 | $183 | -25% |
| Transportation | $240 | $211 | +14% |
| Car Insurance | $170 | $215 | -21% |
| Health Insurance | $570 | $642 | -11% |
| Medicare Supplement | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Prescription Drugs | $162 | $150 | +8% |
| Internet + Phone | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Recreation & Social | $216 | $200 | +8% |
| Home Maintenance | $108 | $100 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $3,118 | $3,658 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,118
Target savings (5%):$176/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,294
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$55,024
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$892
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus MT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$176/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
108/100
Missoula 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 senior-friendly housing near $892/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $832/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $51,255/year as the survival floor and $55,024/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Missoula
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Missoula?
A retiree needs approximately $55,024/year ($4,585/month gross) to live comfortably in Missoula with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Missoula?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Missoula costs approximately $892/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is Missoula affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Missoula is 15% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.