Retiring in the US · 50 states, D.C., more than 1,000 counties and 11 towns in depth
United States
For Americans deciding where in the US to retire, and for anyone weighing a US town against one abroad. The United States has no retirement residence route. Its public healthcare costs USD $203 a month. We cover all 50 states, D.C., more than 1,000 counties and 11 towns in depth.
Sources: USCIS: Green Card Eligibility Categories, 2026-09-26 · CMS, Medicare Part B premium rates 2026 (notice CMS-8091-N, Federal Register), 2026-10-06
The country figures on this page were checked at their official sources between Sep 26, 2026 and Oct 6, 2026; each one shows its own source and date.
Research in progress. The official data sources for the United States have not yet been through our quality assessment, so this page is incomplete. What is published here is sourced and dated; what is missing is missing rather than estimated.
At a glance
Retirement residence route
No retirement residence route Country figure
USCIS: Green Card Eligibility Categories · 2026-09-26
Income it requires
No retiree route, so no income rule Country figure
USCIS: Green Card Eligibility Categories · 2026-09-26
Public healthcare
USD $203 / month Country figure
CMS, Medicare Part B premium rates 2026 (notice CMS-8091-N, Federal Register) · 2026-10-06
Price level, World = 100
159.1 Country figure
World Bank, International Comparison Program 2021 (CC BY 4.0) · 2021-01-01
States, in tiers
For Americans choosing which state to retire to: the 50 states and D.C. in tiers on six things retirees ask about, weighted equally — cost of living, taxes on a retired couple, healthcare access, safety, climate and natural-hazard risk. A state sits above another only where the two are clearly separated, so states that cannot be told apart share a tier.
- Tier 1–4
- Tier 5–7
- Tier 8–10
- Tier 11–13
- Tier 14–16
- Not ranked: a figure is missing
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = higher)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of states
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024).
All 51, with their figures
-
Alaska
Tier 16
- Cost of living
- 102.4 Cheaper than 26 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,869 Lower than 38 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 9 % of residents 65+ Higher than 0 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 8.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 28 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 0.2 months a year More than 0 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 50 states
-
Alabama
Tier 11
- Cost of living
- 88.8 Cheaper than 88 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,314 Lower than 98 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 29 % of residents 65+ Higher than 6 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 13.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 6 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 50 states
-
Arkansas
Tier 14
- Cost of living
- 86.9 Cheaper than 100 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,552 Lower than 70 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 33 % of residents 65+ Higher than 8 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 10.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 16 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.3 months a year More than 22 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 50 states
-
Arizona
Tier 6
- Cost of living
- 100.7 Cheaper than 32 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,900 Lower than 84 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 87 % of residents 65+ Higher than 88 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 42 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 54 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 26 % of the other 50 states
-
California
Tier 6
- Cost of living
- 110.7 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,441 Lower than 76 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 91 % of residents 65+ Higher than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 5.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 58 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 96 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 50 states
-
Colorado
Tier 5
- Cost of living
- 103.1 Cheaper than 24 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,688 Lower than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 90 % of residents 65+ Higher than 92 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 6.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 52 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.3 months a year More than 26 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.38 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 46 % of the other 50 states
-
Connecticut
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 103.6 Cheaper than 18 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $6,337 Lower than 4 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 91 % of residents 65+ Higher than 96 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 4.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 72 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 62 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.41 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 42 % of the other 50 states
-
District of Columbia
Tier 3
- Cost of living
- 109.9 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,557 Lower than 68 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 100 % of residents 65+ Higher than 100 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 29.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 0 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 72 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.43 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 100 % of the other 50 states
-
Delaware
Tier 2
- Cost of living
- 99.8 Cheaper than 38 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,758 Lower than 88 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 46 % of residents 65+ Higher than 28 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 38 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.4 months a year More than 92 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.14 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 68 % of the other 50 states
-
Florida
Tier 7
- Cost of living
- 103.4 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,662 Lower than 62 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 75 % of residents 65+ Higher than 76 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 6.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 50 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 7.2 months a year More than 98 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 50 states
-
Georgia
Tier 10
- Cost of living
- 96.3 Cheaper than 52 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,701 Lower than 60 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 49 % of residents 65+ Higher than 32 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 10.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 18 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 40 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 72 % of the other 50 states
-
Hawaii
Tier 4
- Cost of living
- 110.0 Cheaper than 2 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,027 Lower than 100 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 52 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 86 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 12.0 months a year More than 100 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.64 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 50 states
-
Iowa
Tier 5
- Cost of living
- 87.8 Cheaper than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,875 Lower than 24 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 49 % of residents 65+ Higher than 30 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 84 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.6 months a year More than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.19 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 66 % of the other 50 states
-
Idaho
Tier 3
- Cost of living
- 95.5 Cheaper than 56 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,740 Lower than 90 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 50 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 96 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 12 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.39 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 50 states
-
Illinois
Tier 12
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $7,043 Lower than 2 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 72 % of residents 65+ Higher than 68 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 10.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 22 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.9 months a year More than 68 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.23 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 64 % of the other 50 states
-
Indiana
Tier 5
- Cost of living
- 93.3 Cheaper than 66 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,024 Lower than 36 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 63 % of residents 65+ Higher than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 26 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 78 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 76 % of the other 50 states
-
Kansas
Tier 9
- Cost of living
- 90.1 Cheaper than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,394 Lower than 16 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 60 % of residents 65+ Higher than 42 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 6.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 54 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.6 months a year More than 30 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 62 % of the other 50 states
-
Kentucky
Tier 9
- Cost of living
- 90.2 Cheaper than 78 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,628 Lower than 66 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 37 % of residents 65+ Higher than 12 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 30 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 76 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 50 states
-
Louisiana
Tier 9
- Cost of living
- 88.2 Cheaper than 92 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,908 Lower than 82 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 37 % of residents 65+ Higher than 14 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 18.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 4 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.1 months a year More than 88 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.72 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 50 states
-
Massachusetts
Tier 4
- Cost of living
- 105.8 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,471 Lower than 12 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 96 % of residents 65+ Higher than 98 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 38 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 84 % of the other 50 states
-
Maryland
Tier 5
- Cost of living
- 105.0 Cheaper than 14 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,495 Lower than 44 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 74 % of residents 65+ Higher than 72 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 10.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.1 months a year More than 82 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 98 % of the other 50 states
-
Maine
Tier 4
- Cost of living
- 97.1 Cheaper than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,583 Lower than 42 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 69 % of residents 65+ Higher than 62 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 98 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 3.8 months a year More than 10 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 82 % of the other 50 states
-
Michigan
Tier 6
- Cost of living
- 96.2 Cheaper than 54 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,389 Lower than 30 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 58 % of residents 65+ Higher than 40 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 46 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.9 months a year More than 64 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.85 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 96 % of the other 50 states
-
Minnesota
Tier 4
- Cost of living
- 98.6 Cheaper than 42 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,213 Lower than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 56 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 76 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.9 months a year More than 66 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.13 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 70 % of the other 50 states
-
Missouri
Tier 9
- Cost of living
- 90.8 Cheaper than 76 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,140 Lower than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 62 % of residents 65+ Higher than 46 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 11.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 10 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 60 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.46 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 38 % of the other 50 states
-
Mississippi
Tier 13
- Cost of living
- 87.0 Cheaper than 98 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,504 Lower than 74 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 23 % of residents 65+ Higher than 2 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 19.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 2 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 52 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.75 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 50 states
-
Montana
Tier 12
- Cost of living
- 94.6 Cheaper than 58 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,117 Lower than 52 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 45 % of residents 65+ Higher than 24 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 4.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 64 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 3.6 months a year More than 4 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.37 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 48 % of the other 50 states
-
North Carolina
Tier 14
- Cost of living
- 94.3 Cheaper than 60 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,126 Lower than 50 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 54 % of residents 65+ Higher than 36 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 8.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 24 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.6 months a year More than 32 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.55 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 50 states
-
North Dakota
Tier 1
- Cost of living
- 89.0 Cheaper than 86 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,457 Lower than 46 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 39 % of residents 65+ Higher than 16 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 82 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 70 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 74 % of the other 50 states
-
Nebraska
Tier 11
- Cost of living
- 90.1 Cheaper than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,640 Lower than 10 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 62 % of residents 65+ Higher than 44 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.1 months a year More than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.50 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 36 % of the other 50 states
-
New Hampshire
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 104.2 Cheaper than 16 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,797 Lower than 8 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 77 % of residents 65+ Higher than 78 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 1.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 100 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 42 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 52 % of the other 50 states
-
New Jersey
Tier 10
- Cost of living
- 108.8 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $7,387 Lower than 0 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 68 % of residents 65+ Higher than 60 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 74 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 74 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 54 % of the other 50 states
-
New Mexico
Tier 14
- Cost of living
- 92.2 Cheaper than 72 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,634 Lower than 64 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 41 % of residents 65+ Higher than 18 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 12.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 8 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 36 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 32 % of the other 50 states
-
Nevada
Tier 7
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,629 Lower than 96 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 88 % of residents 65+ Higher than 90 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 36 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 16 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 40 % of the other 50 states
-
New York
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 107.9 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,436 Lower than 14 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 58 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 4.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 70 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 46 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 94 % of the other 50 states
-
Ohio
Tier 1
- Cost of living
- 92.8 Cheaper than 68 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,019 Lower than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 72 % of residents 65+ Higher than 70 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.1 months a year More than 84 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 88 % of the other 50 states
-
Oklahoma
Tier 12
- Cost of living
- 87.8 Cheaper than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,955 Lower than 56 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 53 % of residents 65+ Higher than 34 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 32 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 14 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 28 % of the other 50 states
-
Oregon
Tier 15
- Cost of living
- 103.4 Cheaper than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,758 Lower than 26 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 70 % of residents 65+ Higher than 64 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 4.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 68 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.4 months a year More than 28 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.73 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 50 states
-
Pennsylvania
Tier 4
- Cost of living
- 97.6 Cheaper than 46 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,553 Lower than 28 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 84 % of residents 65+ Higher than 84 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 40 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 58 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 80 % of the other 50 states
-
Rhode Island
Tier 1
- Cost of living
- 102.3 Cheaper than 28 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,243 Lower than 32 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 77 % of residents 65+ Higher than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 90 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 50 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.89 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 90 % of the other 50 states
-
South Carolina
Tier 6
- Cost of living
- 93.7 Cheaper than 64 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,691 Lower than 92 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 66 % of residents 65+ Higher than 54 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 11.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 12 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.3 months a year More than 90 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.01 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 50 states
-
South Dakota
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 88.6 Cheaper than 90 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,704 Lower than 40 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 45 % of residents 65+ Higher than 26 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 5.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 60 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.3 months a year More than 24 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 60 % of the other 50 states
-
Tennessee
Tier 7
- Cost of living
- 91.9 Cheaper than 74 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,760 Lower than 86 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 44 % of residents 65+ Higher than 22 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 10.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 14 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.8 months a year More than 56 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 58 % of the other 50 states
-
Texas
Tier 7
- Cost of living
- 97.1 Cheaper than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $5,219 Lower than 18 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 72 % of residents 65+ Higher than 66 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.1 months a year More than 86 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.34 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 56 % of the other 50 states
-
Utah
Tier 5
- Cost of living
- 98.9 Cheaper than 40 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,198 Lower than 78 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 87 % of residents 65+ Higher than 86 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 92 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 3.3 months a year More than 2 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.61 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 50 states
-
Virginia
Tier 3
- Cost of living
- 101.1 Cheaper than 30 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,546 Lower than 72 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 56 % of residents 65+ Higher than 38 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 6.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 48 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.91 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 86 % of the other 50 states
-
Vermont
Tier 12
- Cost of living
- 98.0 Cheaper than 44 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $6,213 Lower than 6 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 43 % of residents 65+ Higher than 20 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 2.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 88 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 18 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.03 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 78 % of the other 50 states
-
Washington
Tier 14
- Cost of living
- 107.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,824 Lower than 58 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 74 % of residents 65+ Higher than 74 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 4.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 66 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 3.7 months a year More than 8 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.95 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 14 % of the other 50 states
-
Wisconsin
Tier 2
- Cost of living
- 94.1 Cheaper than 62 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $4,980 Lower than 22 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 81 % of residents 65+ Higher than 82 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 5.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 62 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 4.7 months a year More than 44 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $0.88 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 92 % of the other 50 states
-
West Virginia
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 89.5 Cheaper than 84 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,073 Lower than 54 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 24 % of residents 65+ Higher than 4 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 5.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 56 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 5.6 months a year More than 94 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 50 states
-
Wyoming
Tier 8
- Cost of living
- 92.7 Cheaper than 70 % of the other 50 states
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $1,997 Lower than 80 % of the other 50 states
- Healthcare access
- 36 % of residents 65+ Higher than 10 % of the other 50 states
- Safety
- 3.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 78 % of the other 50 states
- Climate
- 3.7 months a year More than 6 % of the other 50 states
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.36 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 50 % of the other 50 states
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5); Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household; CMS, Hospital General Information (Care Compare), hospital overall star rating, release of 13 Aug 2026, weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al., weighted by each county's population 65+ (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB).
Tier 1 3 states
Tier 3 3 states
All 51, criterion by criterion →
Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa are not ranked: most of the six sources do not cover them.
Residency and healthcare · measured for United States
Retirement residence routecountry level
No retirement residence route Country figure No retirement, pension or means-based residence route exists. USCIS lists eight green-card families and none is retirement- or means-based; the only means-based route (EB-5) requires an active investment. USCIS: Green Card Eligibility Categories · checked Sep 26, 2026
Income or savings requiredcountry level · the rule, converted at the unit in force
Not applicable — there is no retirement route, so there is no floor.
Public healthcare — costcountry level · stated age band and period
USD $203 / month Country figure
Medicare Part B standard monthly premium per person — doctors and outpatient care, before deductibles and extra cover. Per enrollee; 2026 Part B deductible USD $283 not included; Part D, Medigap and income-related adjustments not included. CMS, Medicare Part B premium rates 2026 (notice CMS-8091-N, Federal Register) · in force Jan 1, 2026 · checked Oct 6, 2026
How this is measured
Medicare Part B standard monthly premium, per enrollee, set each year by CMS. It is what a Medicare enrollee pays to be covered for doctors and outpatient care; it EXCLUDES the annual Part B deductible, coinsurance, Part D drug plans and supplemental (Medigap) cover, and higher incomes pay an income-related adjustment on top.
Currencycountry level · and how its rate is set
US dollar; the US intervenes in currency markets only on occasion Country figure
Federal Reserve Bank of New York: "since the mid-1990s, the U.S. has only intervened in FX markets on occasion", at the direction of the FOMC or the Treasury; its quarterly reports record no intervention in the first or second quarter of 2026. Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Foreign Exchange Operations · checked Sep 29, 2026
Prices against the world averagecountry level · World = 100 · 2021
- Food 117.5
- Housing, water, electricity and gas 214.6
- Health 207.9
- Transport 116.0
- Restaurants and hotels 142.0
- Communication 224.0
- Clothing and footwear 122.8
- Overall average 159.1
Cite this
Source: ExpatAlmanac, "Prices against the world average in United States", https://expatalmanac.com/united-states, figures as of 2021; original data: World Bank, International Comparison Program 2021 (CC BY 4.0).
How you may quote us: terms of use.
Depends on your passport and pensiontax treaty · visitor days · your government's travel advice
From Canada
Visiting
The stay is set by the officer at entry — never more than one year · no visa.
No visa and no ESTA. A B-2 visitor may be admitted for not more than one year; one issued an I-94 is admitted for at least six months. The officer sets the period at entry. 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) and 214.2(b)(1)–(2), eCFR version 2026-09-01 · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Both may tax, with relief (US–CA 1980, art. XVIII.1–2) Canada may also tax periodic pension payments, at no more than 15 %. US–Canada income tax convention (1980, Protocols 1–5), IRS and US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only where you live (US–CA 1980, art. XVIII.5) CPP and OAS paid to a US resident are taxable only in the US, under paragraph 5 as replaced by the 1997 Protocol (the 1980 text said the opposite). US–Canada income tax convention (1980, Protocols 1–5), IRS and US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Both may tax, with relief (US–CA 1980, art. XVIII.1–2) Canada may also tax periodic pension payments, at no more than 15 %. Art. XIX (Government Service) covers remuneration "other than a pension", so a government pension falls under art. XVIII. US–Canada income tax convention (1980, Protocols 1–5), IRS and US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
Government of Canada (travel.gc.ca) — advice for United States
Advice changes daily and varies by region, so we link to it rather than copy it. Link checked Sep 28, 2026.From United Kingdom
Visiting
90 days per visit · no visa.
Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; no extension (90 days: cbp.gov). DHS: Visa Waiver Program — current program countries (last updated 05/02/2025) · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Taxed only where you live (US–UK 2001, art. 17.1) A UK pension that would be exempt in the UK for a UK resident is exempt in the US too (art. 17.1(b)); a lump sum is taxable only in the UK (art. 17.2). US–UK income tax convention (2001), US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only where you live (US–UK 2001, art. 17.3) Payments under the UK's social security legislation to a US resident "shall be taxable only in that other State". US–UK income tax convention (2001), US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–UK 2001, art. 19.2) Unless the recipient is both resident in and a national of the United States. US–UK income tax convention (2001), US Treasury · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office — advice for United States
Advice changes daily and varies by region, so we link to it rather than copy it. Link checked Sep 28, 2026.From Ireland
Visiting
90 days per visit · no visa.
Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; no extension (90 days: cbp.gov). DHS: Visa Waiver Program — current program countries (last updated 05/02/2025) · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Taxed only where you live (US–IE 1997, art. 18.1(a)) Pensions "in consideration of past employment". US–Ireland income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only where you live (US–IE 1997, art. 18.1(b)) Payments under Ireland's social security legislation to a US resident "shall be taxable only in that other State". US–Ireland income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–IE 1997, art. 19.2) Unless the recipient is both resident in and a national of the United States. US–Ireland income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) — advice for United States
Advice changes daily and varies by region, so we link to it rather than copy it. Link checked Sep 28, 2026.From Australia
Visiting
90 days per visit · no visa.
Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; no extension (90 days: cbp.gov). DHS: Visa Waiver Program — current program countries (last updated 05/02/2025) · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Taxed only where you live (US–AU 1982, art. 18.1) Pensions "in consideration of past employment". US–Australia income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–AU 1982, art. 18.2) "Social Security payments and other public pensions" paid by Australia to a US resident are taxable only in Australia. US–Australia income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–AU 1982, art. 19) A government pension paid to a citizen of Australia is exempt from US tax. US–Australia income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
Australian Government (Smartraveller) — advice for United States
Advice changes daily and varies by region, so we link to it rather than copy it. Link checked Oct 2, 2026.From New Zealand
Visiting
90 days per visit · no visa.
Visa Waiver Program with an approved ESTA; no extension (90 days: cbp.gov). DHS: Visa Waiver Program — current program countries (last updated 05/02/2025) · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Taxed only where you live (US–NZ 1982, art. 18.1(a)) Pensions "in consideration of past employment". US–New Zealand income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–NZ 1982, art. 18.1(b)) Payments under New Zealand's social security legislation to a US resident are taxable only in New Zealand. US–New Zealand income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–NZ 1982, art. 19.2) Unless the recipient is both resident in and a citizen of the United States. US–New Zealand income tax convention (1982), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) — advice for United States
Advice changes daily and varies by region, so we link to it rather than copy it. Link checked Sep 28, 2026.From South Africa
Visiting
The stay is set by the officer at entry — never more than one year · visa required.
Not a Visa Waiver Program country (DHS list): a B-2 visa is required. A B-2 visitor may be admitted for not more than one year; the officer sets the period at entry. 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) and 214.2(b)(1)–(2), eCFR version 2026-09-01 · checked Sep 28, 2026Who may tax your pension here
- Private or workplace pension: Both may tax, with relief (US–ZA 1997, art. 18.1) South Africa may tax it only if you were employed there at least two of the ten years before the pension became due, and at least ten years in all. US–South Africa income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- State pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–ZA 1997, art. 18.2) Social security benefits and similar public pensions paid by South Africa to a US resident are taxable only in South Africa. US–South Africa income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
- Government-service pension: Taxed only by the paying country (US–ZA 1997, art. 19.2) Unless the recipient is both resident in and a national of the United States. US–South Africa income tax convention (1997), IRS · checked Oct 2, 2026
Healthcare from home
Not yet verified.Travel advice
Not yet linked.Cite this
Source: ExpatAlmanac, "Residency and healthcare in United States", https://expatalmanac.com/united-states, figures as of 2026; original data: USCIS: Green Card Eligibility Categories; CMS, Medicare Part B premium rates 2026 (notice CMS-8091-N, Federal Register); Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Foreign Exchange Operations.
How you may quote us: terms of use.
Towns we cover in the United States, by state
Each town in United States listed here shows its monthly subtotal for a couple, in US dollars — Rent, electricity and groceries · official sources.
Filter, sort and compare every town in the United States →
Arizona · 1 town
- Prescott (Yavapai County) USD $2,005 / month · as of 2026-09-29
Florida · 3 towns
- Naples (Collier County) USD $2,695 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- Sarasota (Sarasota County) USD $2,272 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- The Villages (Sumter County) USD $1,823 / month · as of 2026-09-29
North Carolina · 3 towns
- Brevard (Transylvania County) USD $2,178 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- Hendersonville (Henderson County) USD $1,963 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- Pinehurst (Moore County) USD $2,048 / month · as of 2026-09-29
South Carolina · 2 towns
- Pawleys Island (Georgetown County) USD $1,888 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- Seneca (Oconee County) USD $1,566 / month · as of 2026-09-29
Texas · 2 towns
- Fredericksburg (Gillespie County) USD $2,309 / month · as of 2026-09-29
- Kingsland (Llano County) USD $1,580 / month · as of 2026-09-29
Other states — no town covered yet; linked where we publish state-level figures: Alabama · Alaska · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Dakota · Tennessee · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
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Example — towns we hold cost data for
USD · monthly
Rent, electricity and groceries · official sources · as of 2026-09-29.
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