Best and Worst States to Retire – An Analysis by WalletHub

There are some people who plan to work hard ’till their old and grey. But for the majority, we’re putting in all we’ve got now so we can enjoy our golden years with blissfully well-deserved rest and relaxation. Retirement is on the radar for almost everyone, whether that day will come in decades from now or is just around the corner.

As per the personal finance website, WalletHub, “31 percent of all non-retired adults have no retirement savings or pension because many simply cannot afford to contribute to any type of plan.” This puts where they live at high importance. Factors like cost of living and senior-friendly accommodations vary from state to state, so those planning retirement without significant savings should research some of the best (and worst) states to retire. Planning ahead of time will make retirement less stressful and more money-wise.

WalletHub conducted an analysis comparing the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia using 31 key metrics including affordability, adjusted cost of living, entertainment, crime rate, health-related factors, and overall quality of life, to determine which states are the most retirement-friendly and those that would not suit retirees as well. As per WalletHub, the states which scored the best, “let you keep more money in your pocket without requiring a drastic lifestyle change.”

See if your state made the 10 best or the 10 worst list or if any of the states which stood out were ones you or a family member were considering for retirement.

10 Best States to Retire

  1. Florida
  2. Wyoming
  3. South Dakota
  4. Iowa
  5. Colorado
  6. Idaho
  7. South Carolina
  8. Nevada
  9. Delaware
  10. Wisconsin


10 Worst States to Retire

  1. Rhode Island
  2. Alaska
  3. District of Columbia
  4. Connecticut
  5. Hawaii
  6. New Jersey
  7. New Mexico
  8. Vermont
  9. Kentucky
  10. Arkansas

For the full ranking, see WalletHub’s analytical findings here.

If retirement is on your mind and you’d rather enjoy your years of leisure sooner than later, here are some tips to get you on the path to retire early. Work hard now and allow the rewards to pay off later!

string(3072) "

There are some people who plan to work hard 'till their old and grey. But for the majority, we're putting in all we've got now so we can enjoy our golden years with blissfully well-deserved rest and relaxation. Retirement is on the radar for almost everyone, whether that day will come in decades from now or is just around the corner.

As per the personal finance website, WalletHub, "31 percent of all non-retired adults have no retirement savings or pension because many simply cannot afford to contribute to any type of plan." This puts where they live at high importance. Factors like cost of living and senior-friendly accommodations vary from state to state, so those planning retirement without significant savings should research some of the best (and worst) states to retire. Planning ahead of time will make retirement less stressful and more money-wise.

WalletHub conducted an analysis comparing the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia using 31 key metrics including affordability, adjusted cost of living, entertainment, crime rate, health-related factors, and overall quality of life, to determine which states are the most retirement-friendly and those that would not suit retirees as well. As per WalletHub, the states which scored the best, "let you keep more money in your pocket without requiring a drastic lifestyle change."

See if your state made the 10 best or the 10 worst list or if any of the states which stood out were ones you or a family member were considering for retirement.

10 Best States to Retire

  1. Florida
  2. Wyoming
  3. South Dakota
  4. Iowa
  5. Colorado
  6. Idaho
  7. South Carolina
  8. Nevada
  9. Delaware
  10. Wisconsin


10 Worst States to Retire

  1. Rhode Island
  2. Alaska
  3. District of Columbia
  4. Connecticut
  5. Hawaii
  6. New Jersey
  7. New Mexico
  8. Vermont
  9. Kentucky
  10. Arkansas

For the full ranking, see WalletHub's analytical findings here.

If retirement is on your mind and you'd rather enjoy your years of leisure sooner than later, here are some tips to get you on the path to retire early. Work hard now and allow the rewards to pay off later!

"

Your 2025 ‘No-Buy’ List 

via TikTok/@ElysiaBerman + Kasjan Farbisz from Pixabay

​​The ugliest thing about credit card debt is that it’s plaguing millions of Americans all across the country. Hang-on, hang-on before you despair — it’s possible to pay off credit card debt by simply avoiding certain purchases that you’d normally give in to without a thought.  The latest social media trend that encourages people to

The TRUTH About The Trad Wife Trend

Nara Smith, Lucky Blue Smith, and daughter Rumble Honey

Matthew Brookes / Oliver Peoples

Imagine this: you marry the man of your dreams. You have two beautiful children with another on the way. You spend your days cooking gorgeous, nutritious meals for your family…. from scratch. You get paid to share your daily life and meals with people around the world. But here’s the catch: half of those people

How Much Is Beyoncé Knowles’ Net Worth In 2025?

Photo Credit: Instagram (Canva)

If you were to ask someone who they think the biggest superstar in the world is, there’s a good chance they’ll answer without a moment’s hesitation, “Beyoncé.” The Queen Bee has been effortlessly dropping record-breaking albums and chart-topping radio singles since her Destiny’s Child days, and she is not slowing down anytime soon.  Considering her

How to Get Out of Your Gym Membership Without Paying a Penalty

Gym Jumping Woman - Image by StockSnap for Pixabay

Trying to cancel your gym membership can be more tiring than actually attending that kickboxing class you keep skipping. Getting out of your gym contract can be so tough that people are going to great lengths to avoid paying any penalties. After going into debt living a lifestyle she couldn’t afford, this woman forged fake

MONEY JOURNAL: A Marketing Specialist Living On $75K A Year In Chicago

Chicago Theatre - Night | Photo by Pixabay

In this month’s Money Journal, Celia is organized and disciplined yet enjoys her life “to the Max” Welcome to Money Journal, a monthly Paypath series that examines how Americans really handle their finances. Our participants keep a journal of their earnings, spending, and savings (if any), then share what it’s like to live in their

Living la Vida Frugal – Spend Less With Frugal Living

Tiny Home Image by Clay Banks_Unsplash

Everyone says the economy’s healthier than ever, but some of us still find it necessary to make that paycheck stretch…and stretch…and stretch. The better we understand our spending habits, the better we can manage them. Living frugally can benefit you in many ways. You’ll grow more self-reliant, creative, and resourceful as you learn to make