Salary Needed to Live in Reno as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $63,390/year to live comfortably in Reno, NV, including 10% savings.
Direct Answer
A single person needs about $63,390/year to live comfortably in Reno, NV. The bare-minimum salary is $54,707/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 10% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,756.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,328/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $5,283/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$63,390
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$54,707
$4,559/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,328
6% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Reno
| Expense | Reno | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1BR Rent | $1,089 | $1,351 | -19% |
| Groceries | $305 | $207 | +47% |
| Utilities | $154 | $169 | -9% |
| Transportation | $282 | $316 | -11% |
| Car Insurance | $136 | $215 | -37% |
| Health Insurance | $665 | $642 | +4% |
| Internet | $70 | $65 | +8% |
| Phone | $92 | $85 | +8% |
| Dining & Social | $324 | $300 | +8% |
| Entertainment | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Personal Care | $81 | $75 | +8% |
| Total Monthly | $3,328 | $3,545 | -6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,328
Target savings (10%):$428/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,756
Effective tax rate:27%
Gross annual salary needed:$63,390
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,089
Studio/1BR rent is 33% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
27%
Estimated federal plus NV state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
10%
$428/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
108/100
Reno 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 studio/1br housing near $1,089/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $697/mo for persona-specific costs such as Internet and Phone.
- Use $54,707/year as the survival floor and $63,390/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Reno
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Reno?
A single person needs approximately $63,390/year ($5,283/month gross) to live comfortably in Reno with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Reno?
A studio/1br in Reno costs approximately $1,089/month, which is the largest single expense at 33% of the total budget.
Is Reno affordable for a single person?
Yes, Reno is 6% more affordable than the national average for a single person.