Good monthly retirement income isn’t a magic figure — but for many Americans, it falls between 70–80% of what you earned before retiring. That often means around $4,000 to $7,000 a month for singles, and $6,500 to $10,000 for couples.
When I first ran my numbers at 48, I learned mine wasn’t even close. At Retirin’s financial planning guide, we help turn that gap into a plan, so your retirement feels as comfortable as you imagine.
Key Takeaways
A good monthly retirement income is typically $3,500–$6,000 for singles and $4,800–$8,000 for couples, depending on location, lifestyle, and resources — enough to cover needs, fund wants, and keep savings secure.
In this article, we’ll discuss:
Understanding What a Good Monthly Retirement Income Means
The idea of a good monthly retirement income sounds simple — until you realize it’s not just about the dollars. It’s about covering the basics, enjoying life, and sleeping well at night without worrying about the next market dip.
Financial planners often suggest aiming for 70–80% of your pre-retirement income. But the right number for you depends on more than a percentage. It’s shaped by where you live, your health, your debt, and whether your dream retirement involves a quiet porch or a passport full of stamps.
What is a good monthly retirement income for a single person?
If you’re retiring solo, national averages can give you a starting point. Many single retirees find comfort in a range of $3,500 to $5,500 a month. That covers housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and some room for travel or hobbies.
Of course, your reality may differ. A paid-off home in a low-cost state could drop your target under $3,000. On the flip side, city living or frequent travel could push it past $6,000. Use tools like our monthly retirement income calculator to see what fits your lifestyle.
What is a good monthly retirement income for a couple?
For couples, the math isn’t just double a single’s number — shared expenses like housing and utilities mean you may spend less per person. A realistic range is $6,500 to $10,000 a month, depending on lifestyle and location.
Couples in smaller towns with modest tastes may do well on $6,500, while those in higher-cost areas or with travel-heavy plans might need $12,000 or more. This is where budgeting for your retirement lifestyle can make the difference between guessing and knowing.
Average Monthly Retirement Income in the U.S.
Looking at national averages can help you see how your good monthly retirement income stacks up. But remember — averages are just guideposts, not personal targets.
Average monthly retirement income by state
Where you retire can change your monthly needs dramatically. In 2025, the average retiree income in states like Hawaii and Massachusetts tops $6,000 a month, while states such as Missouri or Mississippi often average closer to $3,500.
High-cost states demand more to maintain the same comfort level, largely because of housing, healthcare, and taxes. If you’re flexible about location, you can stretch your dollars further by settling in a state where your Social Security and investments cover more ground. We break down cost considerations in our guide to managing finances in retirement.
What is the average pension payout per month?
While pensions aren’t as common as they once were, they still play a role for many retirees. In the U.S., the average private pension pays around $1,000–$2,000 a month, while federal or military pensions can be higher.
For those lucky enough to have one, a pension often supplements Social Security and personal savings, forming a stable income base. Just remember to factor in inflation and healthcare costs, which can chip away at your buying power over time — a point we emphasize in creating a retirement income stream.
Setting Your Own Retirement Income Goals
A good monthly retirement income isn’t just about keeping pace with the averages — it’s about knowing what you want your life to look like. That means building your target number from the ground up: your fixed expenses, your discretionary spending, and your “just in case” fund.
Is $150,000 a good retirement income?
On paper, $150,000 a year — or $12,500 a month — sounds generous. For many retirees, it is. That level of income often supports an “affluent” retirement, including travel, quality healthcare, and the freedom to say yes to opportunities without financial stress.
But in a high-cost city or with large healthcare needs, that figure might not stretch as far as you expect. The right move is to pair your income with a smart plan for taxes, inflation, and withdrawals — all of which we cover in investment strategies for retirees.
If you’re far from that number, don’t panic. Plenty of retirees live well below $150,000 and still enjoy a full, satisfying life. The key is aligning your spending with what matters most to you.
FAQs
Is $10,000 per month a good retirement income?
Yes — for most retirees, $10,000 a month provides a comfortable lifestyle, especially in mid- or low-cost areas. In high-cost regions, it still offers flexibility, but housing and taxes can take a bigger bite. The key is aligning spending with your personal priorities.
Is $3,000 a month a good retirement income?
For a single retiree in a low-cost state, $3,000 a month can work if you’ve eliminated big expenses like a mortgage. In higher-cost areas, you may need supplemental income to avoid cutting essentials or activities you enjoy.
How much do most retirees live on a month?
Data from recent surveys shows many retirees live on $3,500–$4,500 per month, combining Social Security, pensions, and withdrawals from savings. Couples often fall on the higher side of that range.
Can I retire at 62 with $400,000 in a 401(k)?
Possibly — but it depends on your withdrawal rate, Social Security timing, and expenses. At a 4% withdrawal rate, $400,000 provides $16,000 a year before taxes, so you’ll likely need Social Security or other income sources to reach a good monthly retirement income.
Conclusion
A good monthly retirement income isn’t a single magic number — it’s the amount that lets you meet your needs, enjoy your wants, and sleep well at night knowing your money will last. For some, that’s $3,000 a month in a paid-off home. For others, it’s $10,000+ with plenty of room for travel and hobbies.
The real secret is building an income plan that matches your lifestyle, location, and goals — and sticking to it. When I finally ran my numbers and saw that I could cover the essentials and still fund my fishing trips, I knew I’d found my version of “good.”
If you’re ready to run your own numbers and create a plan that works, start with our investment strategies for retirees to align your portfolio with your income needs.
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