The Best and Worst States to Retire In, Ranked

Retirement in the United States isn’t about beaches or weather — it’s about whether your money lasts. In this video, we rank all 50 U.S. states from worst to best for retirement, using real-world factors that actually affect retirees once the paycheck stops. We focus on tax treatment for seniors, cost of living, home prices, safety, healthcare access, and how well each state supports an aging population. Some states look great on postcards but struggle when it comes to affordability. Others never make retirement “best of” lists but quietly provide stability, predictability, and financial peace of mind. This ranking cuts through the hype and explains why retirees thrive in some states and struggle in others. If you’re planning retirement, thinking about relocating, or just want to understand which states are becoming harder — or easier — to age in, this breakdown gives you the full picture. We cover: Which states tax Social Security and retirement income States with the highest and lowest cost of living for retirees Where housing prices help or hurt fixed incomes Which states offer strong healthcare and senior services Why some popular retirement states are slipping — and others are rising