A portfolio of $800,000 to $936,000 is needed to match the average couple’s $3,120 monthly Social Security benefit
The average monthly Social Security benefit for a retired couple is $3,120, which translates to $37,440 per year.
This amount covers roughly half of the average U.S. household’s expenses, which totaled $78,535 in 2024.
The Social Security Administration’s benefits are inflation-adjusted and government-backed, making them a reliable source of income.
Replicating this income stream from a private portfolio requires significant savings, with a portfolio of $2.23 million needed to match the benefits using CDs at 1.7% interest.