U.S. Couples Need $1.16 Million for Comfortable Retirement, Varying by State
A recent analysis by Investopedia, based on federal data, indicates that a typical American couple aged 65 or older requires approximately $1.16 million in savings to achieve a comfortable retirement. This national average, however, masks significant geographical variations, with the required nest egg ranging from about $800,000 in the most affordable states to $1.33 million in the priciest. The study highlights that two retirees sharing expenses and collecting two Social Security checks significantly reduces the individual savings needed compared to a single retiree. Housing costs are identified as the primary driver of retirement expenses, accounting for roughly 27% of a couple's budget. The analysis defines 'comfortable' retirement as covering average spending levels, including discretionary items like travel and dining out, rather than a bare-bones budget. The methodology involved analyzing four federal datasets from 2024, considering housing costs, non-housing spending adjusted for regional price pari... 
