How Much Does It Cost To Live in America’s ‘Retirement’ States?

Retiring can be terribly expensive — to the point where many Americans fear they won’t be able to make the transition into retirement comfortably. According to new Gallup research, 71% of non-retired Americans are at least moderately worried about being able to fund their retirement — and 42% percent of this group say they are very worried.

Where you live during retirement is a crucial factor, as it determines, in part, how far your money can go. With that in mind, here’s a look at the top 10 states with the highest percentage of Americans over the age of 65 — according to the Population Reference Bureau — and what the states have to offer for retirees, as well as how much the cost of living is in each.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 18.7%
• Annual cost of living: $63,113

According to U.S. News & World Report, the following cities in South Carolina are the best for retirees, based on affordability: Columbia, Charleston, Spartanburg, Greenville and Myrtle Beach. The Palmetto State is relatively budget-friendly, with the cost of living about 5% lower than the national average.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 19.1%
• Annual cost of living: $65,723

Pennsylvania abounds with tax-friendly retirement policies. It has no income taxes on Social Security benefits or pensions for those 60 and over. It’s also pretty affordable, with the cost of living being 2% lower than the national average, according to RentCafe.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 19.3% 
• Annual cost of living: $77,703

New Hampshire is considered a great state for retirees, largely because it is so tax-friendly. Social Security income is not taxed, nor are withdrawals from retirement accounts or pension plans.

But it’s not a particularly affordable state to dwell in. The cost of living in New Hampshire is about 16% more than the average state.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 19.6%
• Annual cost of living: $123,148

Ah, to retire in Hawaii! It’s a common dream, but alas, not a very feasible reality for most Americans. Hawaii is the most expensive state to reside in. For example, the cost of living in Honolulu is 84% higher than the national average.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 19.7%
• Annual cost of living: $70,141

With its abundance of natural scenery, Montana can be a truly beautiful place to hang up your hat. And it’s good for retirees based on its tax-friendly policies.

Depending on where you live, it’s about on par with the national average.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 20.0%
• Annual cost of living: $70,676

There are a couple of good financial reasons driving so many retirees to live in Delaware. The state has no sales tax and property taxes are pretty low.

The only drawback is that Delaware is not especially cheap. Cost of living there is actually 6% higher than the national average.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 20.6%
• Annual cost of living: $77,570

There are a number of attractive places in Vermont for retirees — plus, so much gorgeous nature! — and it doesn’t hurt that the cost of living is on par with the national average.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 20.9%
• Annual cost of living: $60,235

West Virginia has struggled with its reputation, largely because it struggles severely with high poverty rates. But prospective retirees may rejoice in the fact that it’s a pretty affordable state to reside in. Cost of living here is 8% lower than the national average, according to RentCafe.

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 21.3%
• Annual cost of living: $68,802

Pretty much everyone by now knows that Florida is an oasis for retirees, and so it makes sense that such a big percentage of residents in the state are 65 and older.

Aside from being tax-friendly, is it a good place to live in retirement? It could be, as cost of living is just 1% higher than the national average, according to RentCafe. 

• Percentage of people 65 and older: 21.8%
• Annual cost of living: $77,168

Maine has quite a few draws. It’s got a comparatively low crime rate, a great healthcare system and incredible natural scenery. But Maine is not without its cons for prospective residents.

It has high property and income taxes, and the cost of living is about 11% higher than the national average, according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. 

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Photo Disclaimer: Please note photos are for representational purposes only. As a result, some of the photos might not reflect the locations listed in this article.