The 5 Best States to Retire
To find the best states to retire, we collected data from different federal government resources and industry research, and ranked states based on seven criteria:
- Low cost of living
- Widely available and high-quality health care
- A climate that doesn’t typically experience very hot summers or very cold winters
- Low crime rates per capita for people 65 and older
- High-quality and plentiful resources for the elderly and disabled
- Tax advantages for retirees.
1. Pennsylvania
Based on our criteria, we found that Pennsylvania is the best state to retire in the U.S., thanks to its very low crime rate for people over 65 and high-quality health care.
Importantly, Pennsylvania also has plentiful resources for elderly or disabled individuals. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers extensive resources for elderly residents, including low-cost prescription medications, in-home care, legal assistance, and housing and food assistance. Not all retirees will need these resources, but they can be a huge help for those who do.
| Crime Rate | #2 |
| Choice of Setting and Provider | #4 |
| Community Integration | #11 |
2. Iowa
Iowa is another excellent option for retirees, largely because it’s the third-most affordable state on our list. Iowa’s cost of living is 13% lower than the U.S. average; for comparison, our least affordable state, California, is 10% more expensive than average.
Plus, Iowa offers good tax advantages, such as exemptions from income tax on Social Security benefits and exemptions on most forms of retirement income. It also ranks well for weather and community integration.
| Cost of Living | #3 |
| Weather | #20 |
| Community Integration | #20 |
3. Nebraska
Nebraska comes in at No. 3 on our list for its low cost of living, relatively temperate weather compared to other Midwest states, and local resources that make it easier to age in place.
It’s No. 4 on our list for community integration, an AARP designation that means it has ample housing and transportation access for the elderly and disabled, age-friendly health systems, and high employment for people with disabilities.
Nebraska offers excellent health care for retirees, and low housing prices and a low cost of living will help their savings or Social Security income go farther.
| Community Integration | #4 |
| Cost of Living | #11 |
| Weather | #14 |
4. Rhode Island
Back on the East Coast, Rhode Island offers the best health care on our list so far, ranking No. 4 in the country. The state may be small, but it also ranks extremely highly in tax benefits, including personal income tax exclusions for pensions and 401(k)s, as well as property benefits.
Rhode Island also boasts a low overall crime rate and ranks highly on local assistance for seniors. However, it’s expensive — it ranks among the bottom half of states for affordability.
| Health Care | #4 |
| Crime Rate | #9 |
| Choice of Setting and Provider | #10 |
5. Delaware
Like Rhode Island, Delaware isn’t as affordable as many of our other top states. However, it makes up for it with tax advantages and excellent health care. It’s also ranked No. 1 for best weather in the U.S.
The average temperature in Delaware between March 2025 and March 2026 was only 55.7 degrees Fahrenheit, which is also the average temperature for the entire U.S. That means that Delaware experiences severe heat or cold less often than other states.
| Weather | #1 |
| Health Care | #10 |
6. New Jersey
New Jersey’s excellent health care — ranked No. 5 in the nation — makes it another great choice for retirees. Like many of our other top states, it ranks very well for safety, weather, and community integration.
However, it’s the most expensive state on our list so far and the third most expensive state overall. The cost of living in New Jersey is about 8% more than the national average.
| Health Care | #5 |
| Crime Rate | #8 |
| Weather | #12 |
7. Indiana
Back in the Midwest, Indiana offers a much lower cost of living, good weather, and strong community integration. It ranks around the middle of the list for many of our other rankings, including weather.
The biggest drawback to Indiana might be its health care, which ranks 35th in the country.
| Community Integration | #5 |
| Weather | #13 |
| Cost of Living | #18 |
8. Virginia
Virginia’s advantages for retirees are its excellent weather, ranked third in the nation, and its excellent health care options for seniors. While it’s less affordable than our top Midwest states, its cost of living is roughly comparable to that of Rhode Island or Delaware.
| Weather | #3 |
| Choice of Setting and Provider | #15 |
| Health Care | #18 |
9. Massachusetts
With a best-in-class local hospital network and many of the nation’s top universities, Massachusetts is an excellent option for people with higher support needs or who require ongoing medical treatment. The state ranks extremely highly in health care and local programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
But as anyone who’s visited Boston knows, it’s also an expensive state. It ranks at the bottom of our list for affordability.
| Health Care | #2 |
| Choice of Setting and Provider | #2 |
| Community Integration | #9 |
10. Kansas
Kansas is the last state on our top 10 list, largely due to its low cost of living, comparable to that of its neighbor, Nebraska. Kansas also offers some tax advantages and very good weather.
However, Kansas is in the bottom half of states on our list for health care and community options. Retirees moving to Kansas may want to prioritize a major city, such as Wichita or Overland Park, which offers more health care resources than a rural area.
| Weather | #9 |
| Cost of Living | #10 |
The 5 Worst States To Retire
Our top states ranked highly in part because they’re affordable. However, the least affordable states aren’t necessarily the worst states for retirees. Instead, our bottom states tend to rank very poorly in health care and resources for the elderly, as well as in weather and crime.
These are the five worst states to retire in:
- Alaska
- Georgia
- Texas
- Louisiana
- Wyoming
Alaska is ranked the worst state to retire in due to its very cold weather, limited community integration, higher crime rate, and higher-than-average cost of living.
The next three states — Georgia, Texas, and Louisiana — rank poorly for their hot Southern weather, poor health care, and scarce resources for elderly and disabled individuals. Texas, in particular, scored very poorly for its crime rate, which is the second-highest in the country for people 65 and older.
Lastly, Wyoming also ranked last in our ranking for local resources, and its health care offerings and weather are particularly poor.
The Best States To Retire: Full Ranking
The table below shows each state’s ranking in our analysis. Sort by column to find the state that best fits your priorities.
| Overall rank | State | Cost of Living | Health Care | Weather | Community Integration | Crime Rate | Choice of Setting and Provider |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pennsylvania | 28 | 11 | 26 | 11 | 2 | 4 |
| 2 | Iowa | 3 | 27 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 26 |
| 3 | Nebraska | 11 | 23 | 14 | 4 | 35 | 23 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 37 | 4 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 10 |
| 5 | Delaware | 32 | 10 | 1 | 30 | 33 | 35 |
| 6 | New Jersey | 48 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 8 | 16 |
| 7 | Indiana | 18 | 35 | 13 | 5 | 20 | 30 |
| 8 | Virginia | 36 | 18 | 3 | 32 | 29 | 15 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 45 | 2 | 31 | 9 | 12 | 2 |
| 10 | Kansas | 10 | 33 | 9 | 35 | 41 | 20 |
| 11 | Maryland | 44 | 6 | 2 | 24 | 37 | 19 |
| 12 | North Carolina | 21 | 25 | 15 | 19 | 38 | 25 |
| 13 | Illinois | 33 | 24 | 5 | 39 | 34 | 13 |
| 14 | Connecticut | 42 | 3 | 22 | 22 | 11 | 22 |
| 15 | New Mexico | 15 | 38 | 6 | 23 | 47 | 24 |
| 16 | Ohio | 17 | 34 | 16 | 26 | 23 | 29 |
| 17 | Oregon | 40 | 17 | 18 | 14 | 27 | 11 |
| 18 | Wisconsin | 20 | 26 | 42 | 18 | 15 | 5 |
| 19 | Kentucky | 12 | 45 | 6 | 40 | 26 | 37 |
| 20 | Vermont | 29 | 19 | 46 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 21 | Hawaii | 49 | 1 | 33 | 13 | 5 | 27 |
| 22 | Minnesota | 30 | 16 | 45 | 2 | 19 | 9 |
| 23 | North Dakota | 8 | 31 | 44 | 3 | 42 | 21 |
| 24 | Utah | 31 | 14 | 10 | 16 | 50 | 45 |
| 25 | Missouri | 13 | 43 | 6 | 36 | 32 | 39 |
| 25 | Idaho | 23 | 20 | 34 | 37 | 16 | 28 |
| 27 | Colorado | 39 | 9 | 24 | 34 | 46 | 3 |
| 28 | West Virginia | 9 | 49 | 11 | 50 | 7 | 49 |
| 29 | California | 50 | 7 | 19 | 31 | 24 | 1 |
| 30 | Arizona | 35 | 13 | 27 | 20 | 14 | 42 |
| 31 | Maine | 26 | 28 | 47 | 8 | 3 | 14 |
| 32 | Washington | 46 | 15 | 20 | 27 | 40 | 8 |
| 33 | New York | 47 | 8 | 39 | 12 | 21 | 7 |
| 34 | Michigan | 24 | 22 | 40 | 42 | 25 | 12 |
| 35 | South Dakota | 6 | 46 | 28 | 25 | 36 | 44 |
| 36 | Mississippi | 2 | 50 | 32 | 51 | 4 | 46 |
| 37 | Arkansas | 1 | 47 | 23 | 44 | 43 | 38 |
| 38 | New Hampshire | 43 | 12 | 43 | 7 | 10 | 33 |
| 39 | Tennessee | 14 | 41 | 17 | 45 | 48 | 31 |
| 40 | South Carolina | 19 | 30 | 25 | 47 | 39 | 34 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | 4 | 48 | 20 | 46 | 44 | 43 |
| 42 | Alabama | 7 | 40 | 29 | 49 | 31 | 51 |
| 43 | Nevada | 34 | 36 | 4 | 33 | 45 | 48 |
| 44 | Florida | 41 | 21 | 41 | 28 | 1 | 36 |
| 45 | Montana | 22 | 42 | 38 | 10 | 18 | 40 |
| 46 | Wyoming | 16 | 39 | 37 | 41 | 17 | 47 |
| 47 | Louisiana | 5 | 44 | 36 | 43 | 30 | 50 |
| 48 | Texas | 27 | 32 | 35 | 29 | 49 | 18 |
| 49 | Georgia | 25 | 37 | 30 | 38 | 28 | 41 |
| 50 | Alaska | 38 | 29 | 48 | 48 | 13 | 17 |
Note: Tax rankings are not listed. Each state was given a rank of 1-4 based on tax friendliness, so many states are tied.
Which States Are Best For Me?
The best state for you depends on your retirement needs. Everyone has different priorities for their golden years, so our list might not represent the best state for you. It may not be helpful if you don’t want to move or if you want to live closer to your family. But if you want a change of scenery, this list offers the best states for most people.
If your biggest priority is finances, you might consider Arkansas, Mississippi, or Iowa for their low cost of living.
Meanwhile, the best states for health care also tend to offer more community benefits for the elderly or disabled, but they’re pricey. Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Connecticut lead the list for best health care. However, their local cost of living is very high, and they offer fewer tax benefits.
Methodology
To calculate the best and worst states to retire, we researched all 50 states on various factors that affect retirees. We analyzed recent datasets and resources on FBI crime rates, tax policies for retirees, cost-of-living indexes, health care, weather conditions, and the availability of services for seniors. We weighted the individual rankings by their importance to retirees’ quality of life. We combined them to assign each state a total score.
Ranking criteria, listed from highest weight to lowest weight:
- Cost of living (25%) (also referred to throughout this study as affordability) uses the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ 2024 index of regional price parities in each state. The national baseline is 100, and states with higher prices receive a score over 100. States with lower prices than the national average receive a score below 100.
- Health care (20%) rankings use the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings of the best states for health care. The ranking considers overall health care quality, public health quality, and health care access.
- Weather (20%) is subjective, but our index uses S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data on average temperatures for March 2025-March 2026. The U.S. average temperature was 55.77 degrees Fahrenheit during that time. To find the states with the most comfortable weather, we ranked each state according to the percentage difference between its average temperature and the U.S. average. Because they experience either much hotter or much colder weather, states with a larger percentage difference were considered to have weather that was more unstable and less desirable than those with an average temperature closer to 55.77 degrees.
- Crime rates (10%) were calculated using 2024 FBI data. We divided the number of FBI-reported crimes by the total population of people 65 and older in a given area, then multiplied that number by 100,000 to obtain the per capita rate. This considers all crimes, including crimes against persons, property, and society. The top states had low crime rates per capita.
- Community integration (10%) and choice of setting and provider (10%) are 2023 AARP rankings that evaluate states on independence and a better quality of life for seniors. Community integration considers factors like access to housing assistance for people with disabilities, housing livability, age-friendly health systems, transportation access, and the employment rate for people with disabilities. Choice of setting and provider considers factors like competitive wages for support workers for the elderly and people with disabilities; Medicaid and Medicare program enrollment; and assisted living, home health aid, and adult day care supply.
- Tax (5%) rankings used SmartAsset’s ranking of tax friendliness for retirement. This ranking considers factors like state income tax, tax on retirement income, and other deductions. States with more favorable tax policies were ranked higher than those without tax benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arkansas, Mississippi, and Iowa all have the lowest cost of living in the U.S. They’re more appealing for retirees who want to buy property on a low budget or are budgeting on a fixed income.
Mississippi, South Dakota, and Wyoming all have the lowest tax burden for retirees in the country. They have no state income tax, no tax on retirement income, and other tax benefits.
Nine states have no income tax whatsoever, which means they also don’t tax retirement income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Four states have income tax but have full exemptions for retirement income: Illinois, Iowa, Mississippi, and Pennsylvania.
- Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 16 years of experience.
- Personal annual production that puts him in the top .001% out of all life insurance agents in the nation.
Anthony Martin is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 16 years of experience and has personally served over 10,000 clients with their life insurance needs. He frequently authors entrepreneurial and life insurance content for Forbes, Inc.com, Newsweek, Kiplinger, and Entreprenuer.com. Anthony has been consulted as an expert life insurance source for dozens of high-profile websites such as Forbes, Bankrate, Reuters, Fox Business, CNBC, Investopedia, Insurance.com, Yahoo Finance, and many more.
- Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 20 years of experience
- Best selling Amazon author.
Jeff Root is a nationally licensed life insurance expert with over 20 years of experience. He has personally helped over 3000 clients with their life insurance needs. Jeff is a best-selling Amazon author and the managing partner of a highly successful insurance brokerage that manages over 2,500 licensed insurance agents across the USA. He has been a featured life insurance source for prestigious websites such as Forbes, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, Nerdwallet, and many more.
- Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 15 years of experience
- Best selling Amazon author of five insurance sales books.
David Duford is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 15 years of experience. He has personally helped more than 15,000 clients buy life insurance. David has been featured as an expert source for highly authoritative publications such as A.M. Best and Insurancenewsnet. He also runs one of the largest Youtube channels to help aspiring insurance agents serve their clients better.
- Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 20 years of experience
- Best selling Amazon author.
Jeff Root is a nationally licensed life insurance expert with over 20 years of experience. He has personally helped over 3000 clients with their life insurance needs. Jeff is a best-selling Amazon author and the managing partner of a highly successful insurance brokerage that manages over 2,500 licensed insurance agents across the USA. He has been a featured life insurance source for prestigious websites such as Forbes, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, Nerdwallet, and many more.
- Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 15 years of experience
- Best selling Amazon author of five insurance sales books.
David Duford is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 15 years of experience. He has personally helped more than 15,000 clients buy life insurance. David has been featured as an expert source for highly authoritative publications such as A.M. Best and Insurancenewsnet. He also runs one of the largest Youtube channels to help aspiring insurance agents serve their clients better.
Choice Mutual often cites third-party websites to provide context and verification for specific claims made in our work. We only link to authoritative websites that provide accurate information. You can learn more about our editorial standards, which guide our mission of delivering factual and impartial content.
-
tax policies for retirees. https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-taxes
-
Smart Asset. https://smartasset.com/retirement/retirement-taxes
-
Pennsylvania Department of Aging. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/aging
-
exemptions from income tax on Social Security benefits. https://smartasset.com/retirement/iowa-retirement-taxes
-
community integration. https://ltsschoices.aarp.org/scorecard-report/2023/dimensions-and-indicators/community-integration
-
excellent health care. https://www.fool.com/retirement/2024/09/24/should-you-retire-in-nebraska/
-
personal income tax exclusions. https://smartasset.com/retirement/rhode-island-retirement-taxes
-
the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ 2024 index. https://apps.bea.gov/itable/?ReqID=70&step=1&_gl=1*1t1huvn*_ga*OTU3MzQ4NTMyLjE3NzU4NTIwNDk.*_ga_J4698JNNFT*czE3NzU4NTIwNDgkbzEkZzEkdDE3NzU4NTIwNjAkajQ4JGwwJGgw#eyJhcHBpZCI6NzAsInN0ZXBzIjpbMSwyOSwyNSwzMSwyNiwyNywzMF0sImRhdGEiOltbIlRhYmxlSWQiLCIxMDEiXSxbIk1ham9yX0FyZWEiLCIwIl0sWyJTdGF0ZSIsWyIwIl1dLFsiQXJlYSIsWyJYWCJdXSxbIlN0YXRpc3RpYyIsWyIxIl1dLFsiVW5pdF9vZl9tZWFzdXJlIiwiTGV2ZWxzIl0sWyJZZWFyIixbIjIwMjQiLCIyMDIzIiwiMjAyMiJdXSxbIlllYXJCZWdpbiIsIi0xIl0sWyJZZWFyX0VuZCIsIi0xIl1dfQ==
-
2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/health-care
-
S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/monitoring/climate-at-a-glance/national/rankings
-
2024 FBI data. https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/
-
Community integration. https://ltsschoices.aarp.org/scorecard-report/2023/dimensions-and-indicators/community-integration
-
Choice of setting and provider. https://ltsschoices.aarp.org/scorecard-report/2023/dimensions-and-indicators/choice-setting-and-provider
