Salary Needed to Live in Odessa as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $49,406/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $49,406/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $46,112/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,045.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,882/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,117/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$49,406
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$46,112
$3,843/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,882
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Odessa
| Expense | Odessa | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $1,038 | $1,448 | -28% |
| Groceries | $160 | $189 | -15% |
| Utilities | $161 | $183 | -12% |
| Transportation | $201 | $211 | -5% |
| Car Insurance | $185 | $223 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $459 | $672 | -32% |
| Medicare Supplement | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Prescription Drugs | $132 | $150 | -12% |
| Internet + Phone | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Recreation & Social | $176 | $200 | -12% |
| Home Maintenance | $88 | $100 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,882 | $3,696 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,882
Target savings (5%):$163/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,045
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$49,406
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,038
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 36% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$163/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
88/100
Odessa 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 $1,038/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $678/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $46,112/year as the survival floor and $49,406/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Odessa
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Odessa?
A retiree needs approximately $49,406/year ($4,117/month gross) to live comfortably in Odessa with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Odessa?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Odessa costs approximately $1,038/month, which is the largest single expense at 36% of the total budget.
Is Odessa affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Odessa is 22% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.