How Much Did People in Their 60s Spend Living in Retirement in 2025?

Key Takeaways The average retiree household spends roughly $60,000 annually, with housing (36%), transportation (15%), healthcare (13%) and food (13%) taking the largest shares of the budget. Inflation-adjusted spending typically declines by about 26% between the ages of 65 and 84, but long-term care costs remain a major wild card that standard spending data doesn't capture. On average, Americans think they need $1.26 million to retire comfortably, according to Northwestern Mutual's 2025 Planning & ...