The Best States to Retire in If You Want Your Money to Last
A quick-glance infographic on where U.S. retirees can stretch their dollars the furthest.
Big Picture: Why Location Matters
Many older Americans are financially stretched in retirement. Choosing a lower-cost state can be the difference between constant stress and sustainable stability.
- A large share of households headed by adults 60+ struggle to cover basic living expenses.
- A sudden financial emergency can push a majority of low-income retirees dangerously close to poverty.
- The median income for Americans 65+ hovers in the mid-$50,000 range, so keeping monthly spending in check is crucial.
Top 10 States Where Retirement Dollars Go Further
Costs shown are approximate monthly totals for a representative county in each state, combining housing, transportation, and food.
- No state tax on pensions or Social Security.
- Property tax exemptions for homeowners 65+.
- Access to nature, including St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge.
- 300+ days of sunshine in many areas.
- Blue Hole, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Balloon Fiesta.
- Low housing costs help offset modest retirement incomes.
- Home to the Grand Canyon and major outdoor attractions.
- Very hot summers, but relatively low housing costs.
- Higher-than-average retirement incomes.
- Skyline Drive, Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg.
- Attractions include Savannah, Callaway Gardens, Georgia Aquarium.
- Low food costs help stretch limited budgets.
- No state income tax.
- Property tax deferrals available for 65+.
- Many cities offer senior programs, day trips, and discounted recreation.
- Property tax credits for eligible seniors.
- Low-cost recreation: gardens, butterfly house, state trails.
- Scenic prairie landscapes and low-cost outdoor activities.
- Best suited for retirees comfortable with rural living.
- State parks, scenic rail trails, and active senior centers.
- Appealing for nature lovers willing to live on a tighter budget.
- Expanded property tax rebate for eligible older adults.
- Historic and cultural access: Johnstown, Philadelphia, and more.
Quick Comparison Snapshot
| State | County | Est. Monthly Cost | Notable Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | Adams | $2,350 | Very low cost + no tax on retirement income |
| New Mexico | San Miguel / Guadalupe | $2,359–$2,389 | Ultra-low housing and lots of sun |
| Arizona | La Paz | ≈ $2,418 | Low housing near major natural attractions |
| Virginia | Danville | ≈ $2,420 | Higher retirement incomes + low transport costs |
| Georgia | Ware | ≈ $2,469 | Low food costs and rich cultural sites |
| Texas | Maverick | ≈ $2,482 | No state income tax and cheap food |
| Missouri | Butler | ≈ $2,495 | Social Security tax relief + outdoor recreation |
| Oklahoma | Choctaw | ≈ $2,499 | Low housing in rural setting |
| West Virginia | Ohio | ≈ $2,515 | Very low incomes but scenic and quiet |
| Pennsylvania | Cambria | ≈ $2,523 | Property tax rebates and historic towns |
How to Use This Infographic
- Start by comparing your current monthly spending to the ranges shown here.
- If you’re pre-retirement, use these states as a shortlist for deeper research on housing, healthcare, and local tax rules.
- Combine cost-of-living data with personal factors: climate, family proximity, healthcare access, and community life.
- Consider consulting a financial planner before making any relocation decision, especially if you depend heavily on Social Security or pensions.
For generations, America romanticized retirement as a sun-drenched stroll across Florida’s beaches, a lifelong dream that symbolized ease, comfort, and escape. But the modern economic reality is rewriting that story.
A new analysis reveals a deep truth: the best states to retire today are not the flashiest, but the most financially forgiving. The article “The Best States to Retire in If You Want Your Money to Last” highlights a startling but increasingly essential insight—retirement security in America has become less about the view outside your window and more about the cost of the groceries in your cart, the taxes on your home, and the price of simply existing.
Nearly 45% of U.S. households led by adults 60 and older cannot cover basic living expenses, and 80% would fall into poverty with a single financial emergency. With inflation, rising healthcare costs, and stagnant retirement savings squeezing seniors from all sides, the old logic of “retire where it’s warm” has been replaced by “retire where your money survives.”
This editorial digs deeper into the ten states highlighted in the article—Mississippi, New Mexico, Arizona, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania—and explores what their emergence says about America’s shifting retirement landscape.
Why America’s Retirees Are Being Forced to Rethink Their Future
Before looking at the top states, we must understand the storm brewing around retirement.
- The median annual income for Americans 65+ is only $56,680—a sobering number when stacked against rising housing, healthcare, and transportation costs.
- Many retirees rely heavily on Social Security, yet 20% of older adults have no retirement savings at all.
- Inflation has erased years of purchasing power, disproportionately hurting those on fixed incomes.
This financial precarity explains why a growing number of seniors are now moving not for beaches or mountains, but for basic affordability.
The article evaluates states by looking at housing, transportation, and food costs, combining them into an average monthly cost of living based on specific counties within each state. This county-level approach reveals a crucial insight: retirement affordability is local, not statewide. Even in expensive states, pockets of affordability exist—and vice versa.
1. Mississippi — The Unexpected Champion of Affordable Retirement
Mississippi takes the top spot, and the data makes it clear why.
In Adams County, retirees need only $2,350 per month to cover housing, transportation, and food—one of the lowest figures in the nation.
Breakdown:
- Housing: $592/month
- Transportation: $1,181/month
- Food: $577/month
Yes, retirees earn only about $23,347 per year on average—among the lowest in the country. But what Mississippi lacks in income, it compensates for with one of the most senior-friendly tax codes in America.
The state:
- Does not tax retirement income, pensions, or Social Security.
- Offers property tax exemptions for those over 65.
Low expenses plus strong tax relief equals significant financial breathing room.
Beyond money, Mississippi offers scenic natural spaces like the St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, providing retirees with low-cost recreation.
2. New Mexico — Sunshine, Low Housing Costs, and Quiet Affordability
New Mexico ranks second thanks to two highly affordable counties: San Miguel ($2,359/month) and Guadalupe ($2,389/month).
Guadalupe County is especially compelling:
- Median housing cost: $510/month, one of the lowest in the nation
- Average retirement income: $29,707/year
- Outdoor attractions: scuba diving at Blue Hole, White Sands National Park, and the world-famous Balloon Fiesta
With 300+ days of sunshine and rich cultural history, New Mexico is a state where retirees get both affordability and lifestyle.
3. Arizona — Affordable Desert Life and Natural Wonders
Arizona’s La Paz County offers a monthly cost of $2,418 for retirees, driven by very low median housing costs: just $539 per month.
Even though Arizona can hit 112°F in summer, retirees tolerate the heat for:
- National treasures like the Grand Canyon
- Reasonable retirement income levels (ranking 18th nationwide at $28,725/year)
Arizona’s blend of desert calm, scenery, and low living costs makes it a surprising retirement hotspot.
4. Virginia — The Sweet Spot Between Affordability and Income
Virginia provides perhaps the best quality/affordability balance on the list.
In Danville County:
- Cost of living: $2,420/month
- Lowest transportation costs of any state listed: $1,058/month
- Average retirement income: $35,306/year—the second highest among all states featured
This combination—low costs + high incomes—gives Virginia a unique advantage.
And the state’s lifestyle offerings are impressive:
- Skyline Drive, a bucket-list scenic route
- Colonial Williamsburg, for history lovers
- Virginia Beach, providing coastal living without Florida’s price tag
5. Georgia — Low Food Costs and Southern Charm
Georgia’s Ware County costs retirees $2,469/month, anchored by one of the lowest food costs: $564 per month.
Retirement income averages $27,961, placing the state in the mid-range.
Recreation is both affordable and enriching:
- Savannah’s beautiful Historic District
- Callaway Gardens
- The Georgia Aquarium
Georgia’s appeal lies in mixing affordability with cultural richness.
6. Texas — No Income Tax and Surprisingly Low Food Costs
Texas remains a mecca for retirees seeking freedom from taxes.
In Maverick County:
- Monthly cost: $2,482
- Food costs: just $470, one of the lowest in the entire study
Retirement income averages $27,471, but Texas offsets this with:
- No state income tax
- Property tax deferrals for those 65+
Many Texas cities also offer structured programs for retirees, including gym discounts, social clubs, and organized day trips.
7. Missouri — Low Costs and Strong Social Security Relief
Missouri’s Butler County offers a monthly cost of $2,495.
However, retirees only earn about $24,125/year, which is below average.
To compensate:
- Missouri exempts Social Security from state income tax
- The state offers property tax credits for qualifying seniors
Missouri also provides abundant low-cost recreation, including:
- Missouri Botanical Garden
- Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
- Katy Trail State Park, a scenic trail popular with cyclists and walkers
8. Oklahoma — Wide Open Spaces and Manageable Living Costs
Choctaw County in Oklahoma demands $2,499/month to cover housing, food, and transportation.
Retirement income hits the lower end at $23,963/year.
But affordability shines through:
- Housing: $608/month
- Food: $600/month
- Scenic attractions like Three Forks Harbor offer low-cost outdoor enjoyment
Oklahoma is a reminder that rural states often deliver the best bang for a retiree’s buck.
9. West Virginia — Affordable but With Lower Retirement Incomes
Ohio County costs retirees $2,515/month, breaking down as:
- Housing: $742/month
- Transportation: $1,161/month
- Food: $612/month
But there is a drawback:
West Virginia ranks last in annual retirement income, averaging $21,118/year.
What West Virginia lacks in income, it balances with:
- Active senior centers
- Scenic state parks
- The paved Caperton Rail Trail, ideal for walking and cycling
It’s a great fit for retirees who prioritize nature and simplicity.
10. Pennsylvania — The Quiet, Affordable Northeast Surprise
Pennsylvania finishes the top 10, thanks to Cambria County:
- Monthly cost: $2,523
- Retirement income: $24,392/year
Retirees benefit from:
- An expanded property tax rebate program
- Proximity to cultural attractions like the Johnstown Flood Museum and historic Philadelphia
Pennsylvania stands out as one of the few northeastern states still offering pockets of true retirement affordability.
A Larger Truth: Retirement in America Is Becoming a Two-Tier System
The states on this list share four major traits:
1. Low Housing Costs
Housing remains the single largest expense for retirees. States with counties offering rents or mortgage payments below $700/month come out on top.
2. Senior-Friendly Tax Policies
Mississippi, Texas, and Missouri show how tax relief can significantly extend retirement income.
3. Affordable Food and Transportation
Food inflation has hit retirees hard. States with average food costs under $600/month dominate the rankings.
4. Access to Nature and Low-Cost Recreation
National parks, state trails, and local outdoor spaces give retirees a fulfilling life without a hefty price tag.
Why Traditional Retirement Destinations Are Missing
You may have noticed something shocking:
No Florida. No California. No Nevada. Not even North Carolina.
These once-iconic retirement havens have been priced out for many Americans. Housing costs, insurance premiums, and property taxes have soared.
The new retirement map of America is shifting inland—to places with lower population density, lower demand, and far lower costs.
The Emotional Factor: Quality of Life Beyond the Numbers
Affordability matters—but so does dignity, connection, and happiness.
The states highlighted in the article share a common emotional thread: they offer slower, calmer ways of life. Retirees can live in smaller communities, feel part of a town, meet neighbors, and enjoy natural beauty that doesn’t come with a hefty admission fee.
This shift suggests a philosophical change:
Retirement today means peace of mind, not luxury. Stability, not extravagance.
Who Should Consider Relocating?
Relocation is not for everyone. But you may want to consider it if:
- You rely primarily on Social Security.
- You have limited retirement savings.
- You’re house-rich but cash-flow tight.
- You value quiet, scenic environments.
- You want a meaningful lifestyle without financial pressure.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Retirement Will Be Defined by Practicality, Not Fantasy
The article serves as a wake-up call. For millions of Americans, the question isn’t “Where is my dream retirement?” but “Where can I still live comfortably?”
States like Mississippi, New Mexico, and Virginia are not the cliché retirement hotspots—but they are the places where money lasts, life slows down, and retirees reclaim control over their financial future.
As America continues to age, and as economic pressures tighten, these states represent not just budget-friendly options but a shift in the very definition of what retirement means in the 21st century.
Retirement is no longer about escaping life—it’s about sustaining it.