For many people getting ready to retire, the decision about where to settle has significant implications for their future comfort. Factors like the cost of living, tax rates, healthcare access, and local activities are all important to consider before making a move.
Recent studies, particularly from Wallethub, provide a thorough analysis of the best states for retirement, examining all 50 states against 46 essential metrics that simplify the retirement decision process. If you’re curious about the research methods, you can check those out too.
The Social Security Administration states that normal retirement ages vary from 65 to 67 depending on your year of birth, but those with limited access to Social Security can start receiving benefits as early as 62. With over 4 million Americans celebrating their 65th birthday this year—an unprecedented number—understanding the best value states for retirees is, I think, crucial for maximizing retirement satisfaction.
Wallethub’s findings list the top ten states for retirement prospects in 2025.
The best states to retire
1. Florida
- Affordable rank: 2
- Quality of Life Rank: 2
- Healthcare rank: 27
2. Minnesota
- Affordable rank: 27
- Quality of Life Rank: 6
- Healthcare rank: 1
3. Colorado
- Affordable price: 15
- Quality of life rank: 18
- Healthcare rank: 3
4. Wyoming
- Affordable rank: 1
- Quality of Life Rank: 3
- Healthcare rank: 38
5. South Dakota
- Affordable Rank: 18
- Quality of life rank: 19
- Healthcare rank: 4
6. Pennsylvania
- Affordable rank: 22
- Quality of life rank: 5
- Healthcare rank: 9
7. New Hampshire
- Affordable rank: 23
- Quality of Life Rank: 8
- Healthcare rank: 14
8. Delaware
- Affordable rank: 4
- Quality of life rank: 35
- Healthcare rank: 35
9. North Dakota
- Affordable Rank: 14
- Quality of life: 30
- Healthcare rank: 13
10. Wisconsin
- Affordable rank: 17
- Quality of life: 20
- Healthcare rank: 21
The worst states to retire
1. Kentucky
- Affordable rank: 36
- Quality of life rank: 41
- Healthcare rank: 45
2. Louisiana
- Affordable rank: 24
- Quality of life rank: 46
- Healthcare rank: 48
3. Mississippi
- Affordable rank: 9
- Quality of life rank: 50
- Healthcare rank: 47
4. Washington
- Affordable Rank: 48
- Quality of life rank: 23
- Healthcare rank: 24
5. New Mexico
- Affordable rank: 38
- Quality of life rank: 45
- Healthcare rank: 33
6. New Jersey
- Affordable Rank: 46
- Quality of life rank: 36
- Healthcare rank: 12
7. Rhode Island
- Affordable Rank: 40
- Quality of life rank: 40
- Healthcare rank: 22
8. West Virginia
- Affordable rank: 11
- Quality of life rank: 44
- Healthcare rank: 50
9. Arkansas
- Affordable rank: 12
- Quality of life rank: 49
- Healthcare rank: 44
10. Hawaii
- Affordable rank: 50
- Quality of life rank: 27
- Healthcare rank: 7
Where is Alabama ranked for retirees?
Wallethub places Alabama at No. 37 among the best states for retirement. It ranks 3rd in affordability, 43rd in quality of life, and 49th in healthcare.
