The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has published updated figures for how much you need for a minimum, moderate, and comfortable retirement11:18, 03 Jun 2026Updated 11:23, 03 Jun 2026The amount you need for a comfortable retirement has been revealed - with experts warning that many people are still not saving enough.‌The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has published updated figures for how much you need for a minimum, moderate, and comfortable retirement.‌The cost of a minimum retirement living standard for a single person is now £13,900 year. For a couple, it is now £22,500 a year. The PLSA describes a minimum lifestyle as having enough money to cover all your needs, with some left over for fun.‌For example, you could holiday in the UK and eat out around once a month, but you would not be able to afford to maintain a car.For a moderate lifestyle, one person would need £32,700 a year, while two people would need £45,400 a year. The PLSA says a moderate lifestyle gives you "more financial security and flexibility" compared to a minimum standard.You could afford a fortnight 3* all-inclusive holiday in the Mediterranean and a long weekend off-peak break in the UK, plus the money to maintain a small car and eat out more frequently.‌For a comfortable retirement, a single person would need £45,400 a year, and a two-person household would need £62,700 a year. The PLSA says this amount of cash would allow you "more financial freedom and some luxuries" in your golden years.This would allow you to afford a fortnight 3*/4* half board holiday in the Mediterranean and three long weekend breaks in the UK, with more money to spend on things you enjoy.‌Pensions UK said it expects around 82% of the working population across the UK to reach at least the minimum standard of living in retirement, falling to just 23% reaching a moderate standard and less than one in 10 (9%) enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.Housing costs are not included within the retirement living standards, as they vary significantly depending on location and personal circumstances.Some people will enter retirement owning a home outright and be mortgage‑free, while other people may continue to have a mortgage and others may rent.‌The latest figures were calculated by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University on behalf of the PLSA.Zoe Alexander, Executive Director of Policy and Advocacy at Pensions UK, said: "The latest update to the Retirement Living Standards underlines a clear reality for many people, today’s saving levels will not be enough for the retirement they expect."It is expected that around 82% of people reaching a minimum standard of living, but far fewer will go beyond that. That is out of step with what people expect for their future. Without action, too many risk facing a cliff-edge drop in income when they stop work."Article continues belowShe added: “Without action, too many risk facing a cliff edge drop in income when they stop work.”Professor Matt Padley, Co-director of the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, said: "We know that many people are not saving enough for retirement, but we also know that for some people it is simply impossible to save any more – you can’t save money you don’t have."By providing a living standards benchmark, the RLS can help us to think through the roles of the state, employers and individuals in ensuring everyone is able to have at least a Minimum standard of living in retirement."