Planning for Dividend Income in Retirement? Here's the Nest Egg Couples Still Need in Every State

An Investopedia analysis estimates how much “nest egg” a typical 65-plus couple needs for a comfortable retirement across the U.S., accounting for Social Security and the role of dividend income. Nationally, a typical couple needs about $1.16 million saved after roughly $37,700 per year from Social Security. By state, the target ranges from about $800,000 to nearly $1.33 million. The calculation is based on federal figures showing typical retired couple spending of about $84,000 annually, leaving a roughly $46,000 gap covered by savings, dividends, or other sources. Using a 4% withdrawal rule, dividend income can reduce required portfolio withdrawals: $500 per month in dividends replaces about $6,000 annually, lowering the nest egg need to about $1.01 million in the model.