When it’s time to retire, you might want a change of pace. Maybe you’re dreaming of your own little corner of the world somewhere warm and sunny, or maybe you want to move somewhere where you get more bang for your buck, to really make the most of your retirement. But what are the very best states for retirement here in the US? We’ve crunched the numbers to give you a definitive answer. The Interactive Map below enables you to view each state.

Florida

Living score: 68.2
Life score: 66.4
Health score: 23.1
Retirement score: 73.7
Weather score: 62.9
Rating: 73.5
Rank: 1

The best states for retirement in 2024

With more than 4.1 million Americans retiring each year, the question of where to move to spend your golden age is a big question for everyone.

Whether you choose to head to a coastal state for sunny days and a vibrant community, or move to the Midwest for a famously warm welcome, you’ll want to know that you’re making the decision that’s right for you and your loved ones.

After all, according to research by Gallup, the length of retirement is going up significantly – from 1970 to 2020, the average retirement length for men has gone from 12 to 18 years, and 16 to 21 for women. Naturally, you want to make sure that you’re spending these years of your life in the right place.

Naturally, that looks different for different people – maybe the cost of living in your state means a move is on the cards, or maybe you want to move out of the city for a better quality of life.

No matter what your reasons are, our index will help you to check which state is best for you – see where your home state ranks, learn more about our top 5 retirement states, and find the best states for retirement for you to spend your golden years in relaxation.

Top 5 States to Retire in

Revealing the Best State to Retire in the U.S. across 19 Factors Including Cost of Living, Retirement Quality, Health, and Search Trends

Florida

It might not come as much of a surprise, but there really is a reason that Florida has a reputation as the go-to state for retirees. The data proves it: a reasonable cost of living, good retirement and quality of life scores, and good weather. What more could you want? Retired Floridians clearly agree, too, as the Sunshine State has by far the highest positive sentiment score across our entire index when it comes to people talking about retirement. If you’re ready to retire to a warmer climate, you might want to head to the retirement haven of The Villages – but wherever you choose to settle in Florida, you can look forward to an average temperature of 72°F, no state income taxes and more golf than you can swing a 9-iron at.

South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the most affordable states on our index, and thanks to that, combined with the positive retirement and life score, it comes in as our number two pick. South Dakota is a lowkey state, but there’s plenty to recommend it. From the Badlands to the Black Hills, if you enjoy fishing, golfing, or any number of outdoor activities, you can use your retirement to make the most of the stunning vistas in the Mount Rushmore State. South Dakota boasts a robust healthcare system, with plenty of highly-rated hospitals and medical centers. And that low cost of living is a big benefit for retirees - South Dakota has no state income tax and low property taxes, and you’re bound to be welcomed into one of the tight-knit, welcoming communities across the state as you begin your retirement.

Iowa

If you’re looking for a laid-back life in the country when you retire, then Iowa might be the place for you. Iowa scores well across the board, with a high score for cost of living, retirement and quality of life, health care, and weather. Iowa’s rolling plains and cornfields make a welcoming vista for new retirees heading to the Hawkeye State, but just as welcoming is the fact that Social Security benefits are exempt from the state income tax. Iowans 55 and up are also exempt from paying state taxes on retirement income, including distributions from a 401(k) or pension. Combined with Iowa’s general affordability, you can look forward to a long, comfortable retirement here.

Nebraska

In our index, the heartland state of Nebraska comes out at fourth place. Retirees can look forward to a warm welcome, with no shortage of farmer’s markets and local produce in this agricultural state, and while the winters can be chilly, the Chinook winds warm things back up to pleasant, sunny summer and fall seasons. Nebraska also boasts a strong healthcare system, with high-quality medical services, especially near larger cities like Omaha and Lincoln. It’s equal to South Dakota in terms of cost of living – and Nebraska’s low rates compared to other states makes it easier for retirees to stretch their savings, with affordable housing and utility costs, as well as general living expenses. You can also enjoy the state’s favorable tax environment for retirees, with no local taxes, no state taxes on Social Security benefits, and several exemptions and deductions available for retirement incomes. After all, if Nebraska is good enough for Warren Buffett, once the richest man in the world, then let’s hope it can be the same for you in your retirement!

Arizona

Combining stunning natural landscapes, temperate weather, and plenty of benefits for retirees, Arizona comes in fifth on our ranking. With more than 300 days of sun a year, the mild, dry climate is ideal for retirees if you’re not a fan of Florida’s humid weather, and it’s no surprise that Arizona came out top on our weather index. But there’s more than that to recommend Arizona: the state has top-tier medical facilities and services, including the world-famous Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. Arizona is also home to plenty of retirement communities, ensuring you have the support you need to maintain your lifestyle. There are plenty of affordable housing options available across the state, whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of Phoenix or the suburbs of Tucson. Additionally, Arizona’s favorable tax environment - including low property taxes and no state tax on Social Security benefits - means your retirement income goes further.

Methodology

Data was collected across 19 categories and combined into sub- headers across five sectors of retirement, including:

Cost of Living Score – cost of living, grocery, housing, transport, utility

Retirement and Life Score – most visited state, crime rates, life expectancy, male & female, median household costs, retirement age, and average retirement savings needed

Health & Health Care Score – health care quality, ranking, and access

Retirement Search and Sentiment Score – conversations online, positive and negative scores associated with retirement terms

Weather Score – average sun, temperature, and clear days

The data was then indexed and ranked out of 100 – the best states were the ones with the highest scores. Each score was then indexed to reveal where the best place to retire in the US was across the 5 retirement indexed scores.

Comprehensive US Retirement State Rankings

Planning for retirement involves considering various factors such as cost of living, quality of life, healthcare availability, and weather conditions. Our detailed table ranks all 50 states based on these critical metrics, helping you identify the best places to retire in the US. Explore the data to make an informed decision about your retirement destination

Rank	State	Living Score	Life Score	Health Score	Retirement Score	Weather Score	Rating
1	Florida	68.2	66.4	23.1	73.7	62.9	73.5
2	South Dakota	77.7	66.9	44.2	66.7	42.1	70
3	Iowa	75.6	66.4	78.9	33	41.3	67.1
4	Nebraska	77.7	69.4	48.3	39.4	46.5	65.9
5	Arizona	65.4	71	32	20	92.1	65.1
6	Minnesota	73.6	72.6	74.8	22.4	33	64.7
7	Virginia	66.2	67.9	68.7	26.6	48.6	63.4
8	California	36.1	64.3	63.9	49	67	62.9
9	Utah	68.3	73.8	48.3	21	52.1	62.3
10	New Jersey	56.2	68.8	69.4	35.1	40	62
11	Rhode Island	57.4	67.6	91.8	18	40.5	61.8
12	Pennsylvania	64.1	56.9	78.9	43.7	36.8	60.6
13	Texas	74.7	62.4	19.7	45.2	63	60.3
14	Illinois	75.6	64.8	40.8	40.9	39.5	60
15	Colorado	64.9	67.7	51	21.8	56	59.6
16	Wisconsin	71.8	67	68	22.4	30	58.9
17	Delaware	62.8	63.5	80.9	17.5	38.9	58
18	New York	52.7	65	73.5	44.6	19.2	57.8
19	Idaho	63	71.4	52.4	15.6	46.2	57.7
20	Massachusetts	27.8	66.3	97.3	29.9	38.9	57.6
21	Georgia	77.3	64.6	17.7	29.7	60.2	57
22	Maryland	52.9	57.6	83	29.5	44.6	57
23	Connecticut	54.4	60.6	86.4	26	34.2	56.6
24	North Dakota	72.6	61.3	46.9	39	32.7	56.5
25	North Carolina	73.7	58	44.9	30.5	51.5	56.2
26	Hawaii	3.1	66.1	100	26	63.4	56.2
27	Kansas	78	52.3	42.9	33.9	56.4	55.5
28	Michigan	73.2	64.1	65.3	20.4	24.2	55.2
29	Maine	54.3	65.8	74.1	18.5	33.6	54.9
30	Vermont	51.3	62.9	85.7	27.8	18.4	54
31	Missouri	80	59.5	18.4	34.7	49.6	53.8
32	Nevada	66	65.2	11.6	21.1	71.1	53.3
33	South Carolina	70.6	57.3	28.6	30.6	58.6	53.2
34	Indiana	73.7	57.2	40.1	35.5	37	52.9
35	Alabama	76	59	15	36.3	50.4	52.5
36	Washington	52.7	63	75.5	25.8	20.9	52.3
37	New Hampshire	45.4	64.9	82.3	14.9	30.7	52.2
38	Kentucky	67.6	52.4	45.6	38.8	41.9	51.7
39	New Mexico	75.1	45.2	29.9	27.9	73.7	50.1
40	Oregon	55.5	68.9	56.5	13.6	24.2	49.9
41	Louisiana	77.9	52.4	31.3	20.9	52.8	48.8
42	Tennessee	78.7	50.5	21.8	32.9	45.7	47.6
43	Ohio	71	52	42.2	34.4	28.5	47.5
44	Wyoming	74.3	63.2	18.4	8.5	45.9	46.7
45	Oklahoma	80.7	49.8	4.1	21.5	65.4	45.2
46	Montana	66.3	58.9	46.9	4.6	31.7	43.9
47	Mississippi	83.3	46.7	4.8	26.8	56	43.6
48	Arkansas	77.3	46.7	14.3	19.6	56.7	42.3
49	West Virginia	74.5	39.6	33.3	34.9	27.1	39.1
50	Alaska	27.4	64.7	36.7	0.3	0.7	27.6

The US Retirement Index

The best states for retirement in 2024

Top 5 States to Retire in

Florida

South Dakota

Iowa

Nebraska

Arizona

Summary

Methodology

Comprehensive US Retirement State Rankings

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