Salary Needed to Live in Odessa as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $51,785/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $51,785/year to live comfortably in Odessa, TX. The bare-minimum salary is $44,880/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,165.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,805/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,315/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$51,785
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$44,880
$3,740/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,805
22% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Odessa
| Expense | Odessa | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $969 | $1,351 | -28% |
| Groceries | $175 | $207 | -15% |
| Utilities | $148 | $169 | -12% |
| Transportation | $301 | $316 | -5% |
| Car Insurance | $185 | $223 | -17% |
| Health Insurance | $459 | $672 | -32% |
| Internet | $57 | $65 | -12% |
| Phone | $75 | $85 | -12% |
| Dining & Social | $264 | $300 | -12% |
| Entertainment | $106 | $120 | -12% |
| Personal Care | $66 | $75 | -12% |
| Total Monthly | $2,805 | $3,583 | -22% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,805
Target savings (10%):$360/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,165
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$51,785
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$969
Studio/1BR rent is 35% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
25%
Estimated federal plus TX state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$360/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 studio/1br housing near $969/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $568/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $44,880/year as the survival floor and $51,785/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Odessa
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Odessa?
A single person needs approximately $51,785/year ($4,315/month gross) to live comfortably in Odessa with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Odessa?
A studio/1br in Odessa costs approximately $969/month, which is the largest single expense at 35% of the total budget.
Is Odessa affordable for a single person?
Yes, Odessa is 22% more affordable than the national average for a single person.