Salary Needed to Live in Springfield as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $55,988/year to live comfortably in Springfield, MA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $55,988/year to live comfortably in Springfield, MA. The bare-minimum salary is $52,100/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,303.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,126/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,666/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$55,988
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$52,100
$4,342/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,126
16% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Springfield
| Expense | Springfield | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $810 | $1,448 | -44% |
| Groceries | $249 | $189 | +32% |
| Utilities | $143 | $183 | -22% |
| Transportation | $183 | $211 | -13% |
| Car Insurance | $176 | $229 | -23% |
| Health Insurance | $780 | $690 | +13% |
| Medicare Supplement | $204 | $200 | +2% |
| Prescription Drugs | $153 | $150 | +2% |
| Internet + Phone | $122 | $120 | +2% |
| Recreation & Social | $204 | $200 | +2% |
| Home Maintenance | $102 | $100 | +2% |
| Total Monthly | $3,126 | $3,720 | -16% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,126
Target savings (5%):$177/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,303
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$55,988
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$810
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus MA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$177/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
102/100
Springfield is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $810/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $785/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $52,100/year as the survival floor and $55,988/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Springfield
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Springfield?
A retiree needs approximately $55,988/year ($4,666/month gross) to live comfortably in Springfield with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Springfield?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Springfield costs approximately $810/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Springfield affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Springfield is 16% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.