Salary Needed to Live in Newport News as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $54,446/year to live comfortably in Newport News, VA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $54,446/year to live comfortably in Newport News, VA. The bare-minimum salary is $50,816/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,355.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,176/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,537/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$54,446
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$50,816
$4,235/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,176
14% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Newport News
| Expense | Newport News | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,004 | $1,448 | -31% |
| Groceries | $231 | $189 | +22% |
| Utilities | $168 | $183 | -8% |
| Transportation | $193 | $211 | -9% |
| Car Insurance | $162 | $223 | -27% |
| Health Insurance | $694 | $672 | +3% |
| Medicare Supplement | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Prescription Drugs | $141 | $150 | -6% |
| Internet + Phone | $113 | $120 | -6% |
| Recreation & Social | $188 | $200 | -6% |
| Home Maintenance | $94 | $100 | -6% |
| Total Monthly | $3,176 | $3,696 | -14% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,176
Target savings (5%):$179/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,355
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$54,446
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,004
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 32% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus VA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$179/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
94/100
Newport News 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 $1,004/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $724/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $50,816/year as the survival floor and $54,446/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Newport News
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FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Newport News?
A retiree needs approximately $54,446/year ($4,537/month gross) to live comfortably in Newport News with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Newport News?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Newport News costs approximately $1,004/month, which is the largest single expense at 32% of the total budget.
Is Newport News affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Newport News is 14% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.