California
For Americans thinking of retiring to California from another state, or comparing it with a move abroad. Prices in California run at 110.7 against a US average of 100, with housing at 154.3. We cover California's 58 counties on the map below, each with a page of its own, and no town in depth yet.
Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5), 2024-12-31
California is not compared with a town — compare two towns instead. Why?
California, a state of the United States, is not the same kind of thing as a town: it spans many counties and very different places. Putting a state-wide average beside one town's own figures produces a number that looks like an answer and describes nothing a person would experience — so the engine refuses that pairing rather than rendering it thinly. A town against another town, here or abroad, is like-for-like. Build a comparison →
Research in progress. Our quality assessment of the official sources for the United States is not finished yet. Every figure published here is sourced and dated.
California's 58 counties
Every county in California on its own figures, against every US county that has the same figure. Pick a county on the map or in the list.
- Lowest fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Highest fifth (darker = a larger share 65+)
- No figure
- At least one hospital rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- None in the county
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = cheaper)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = more)
- No figure
- Bottom fifth of US counties
- Middle fifth
- Top fifth (darker = lower)
- No figure
Outlines: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary files (2024). A fifth is among every US county holding the figure, so a color means the same thing in every state.
All 58 counties, with their figures
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Alameda County
1,636,630 residents, 278,354 aged 65 or older (17.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 115.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,721 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 6 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,957 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oakland, Fremont, Hayward (Census, 1 July 2024).
Alameda County page → -
Alpine County
1,043 residents, 318 aged 65 or older (30.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,686 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Alpine County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Alpine County page → -
Amador County
41,876 residents, 12,756 aged 65 or older (30.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,468 Lower than 68 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Amador County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.84 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,406 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ione, Jackson, Sutter Creek (Census, 1 July 2024).
Amador County page → -
Butte County
209,211 residents, 43,831 aged 65 or older (21.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.2 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Chico, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,432 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 80 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 22 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Chico, Oroville, Paradise (Census, 1 July 2024).
Butte County page → -
Calaveras County
46,605 residents, 14,331 aged 65 or older (30.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,541 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Calaveras County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Angels (Census, 1 July 2024).
Calaveras County page → -
Colusa County
21,836 residents, 3,723 aged 65 or older (17.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,158 Lower than 78 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Colusa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.92 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Colusa, Williams (Census, 1 July 2024).
Colusa County page → -
Contra Costa County
1,170,070 residents, 223,339 aged 65 or older (19.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 115.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,889 Lower than 57 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 66 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.27 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,334 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Concord, Antioch, Richmond (Census, 1 July 2024).
Contra Costa County page → -
Del Norte County
26,410 residents, 5,855 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,148 Lower than 78 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Del Norte County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.83 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Crescent City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Del Norte County page → -
El Dorado County
192,323 residents, 50,296 aged 65 or older (26.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.7 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,447 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- El Dorado County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.32 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,406 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: South Lake Tahoe, Placerville (Census, 1 July 2024).
El Dorado County page → -
Fresno County
1,035,456 residents, 150,704 aged 65 or older (14.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 102.2 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fresno, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,575 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 42 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 34 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Fresno, Clovis, Sanger (Census, 1 July 2024).
Fresno County page → -
Glenn County
28,141 residents, 5,294 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,248 Lower than 76 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Glenn County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.11 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 17 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Orland, Willows (Census, 1 July 2024).
Glenn County page → -
Humboldt County
131,647 residents, 29,330 aged 65 or older (22.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,238 Lower than 76 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 52 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Eureka, Arcata, Fortuna (Census, 1 July 2024).
Humboldt County page → -
Imperial County
181,411 residents, 27,683 aged 65 or older (15.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 95.2 Cheaper than 22 % of the other 3,142 US counties El Centro, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,706 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 69 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.08 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,194 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: El Centro, Calexico, Brawley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Imperial County page → -
Inyo County
18,158 residents, 4,800 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,586 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Inyo County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 13 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Bishop (Census, 1 July 2024).
Inyo County page → -
Kern County
927,068 residents, 124,214 aged 65 or older (13.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.9 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Bakersfield-Delano, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $3,087 Lower than 52 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 11.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 28 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.93 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 20 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Bakersfield, Delano, Ridgecrest (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kern County page → -
Kings County
154,327 residents, 19,162 aged 65 or older (12.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 101.6 Cheaper than 7 % of the other 3,142 US counties Hanford-Corcoran, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,617 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 47 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.69 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 29 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hanford, Lemoore, Corcoran (Census, 1 July 2024).
Kings County page → -
Lake County
67,772 residents, 17,002 aged 65 or older (25.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,557 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 60 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $5.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
Largest places: Clearlake, Lakeport (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lake County page → -
Lassen County
28,117 residents, 5,447 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,537 Lower than 66 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 15.3 per 100,000 a year Lower than 19 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.35 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Susanville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Lassen County page → -
Los Angeles County
9,694,934 residents, 1,653,035 aged 65 or older (17.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 113.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,381 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 26 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 53 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.49 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita (Census, 1 July 2024).
Los Angeles County page → -
Madera County
167,927 residents, 25,937 aged 65 or older (15.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 102.2 Cheaper than 6 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Fresno, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,453 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 52 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.60 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Madera, Chowchilla (Census, 1 July 2024).
Madera County page → -
Marin County
253,694 residents, 65,291 aged 65 or older (25.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 115.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- Marin County has no property-tax figure: the Census publishes no single median taxes paid or home value for it (too few sample cases, or a median beyond the end of its table).
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 98 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.26 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Marin County page → -
Mariposa County
16,918 residents, 5,263 aged 65 or older (31.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,145 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mariposa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 1 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,358 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mariposa County page → -
Mendocino County
88,122 residents, 23,293 aged 65 or older (26.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,422 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 52 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Ukiah, Fort Bragg, Willits (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mendocino County page → -
Merced County
297,260 residents, 38,858 aged 65 or older (13.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 98.3 Cheaper than 12 % of the other 3,142 US counties Merced, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,353 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.82 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 24 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Merced, Los Banos, Atwater (Census, 1 July 2024).
Merced County page → -
Modoc County
8,426 residents, 2,540 aged 65 or older (30.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,431 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Modoc County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 18 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Alturas (Census, 1 July 2024).
Modoc County page → -
Mono County
12,505 residents, 2,525 aged 65 or older (20.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,286 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Mono County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,034 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Mammoth Lakes (Census, 1 July 2024).
Mono County page → -
Monterey County
433,729 residents, 71,521 aged 65 or older (16.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 109.0 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Salinas, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,200 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 64 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,430 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Salinas, Seaside, Monterey (Census, 1 July 2024).
Monterey County page → -
Napa County
132,949 residents, 31,546 aged 65 or older (23.7 %)
- Cost of living
- 112.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Napa, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,413 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Napa County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.86 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Napa, American Canyon, St. Helena (Census, 1 July 2024).
Napa County page → -
Nevada County
101,911 residents, 30,977 aged 65 or older (30.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,642 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Nevada County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 8 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,322 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Truckee, Grass Valley, Nevada City (Census, 1 July 2024).
Nevada County page → -
Orange County
3,149,507 residents, 581,218 aged 65 or older (18.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 113.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,302 Lower than 74 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 9 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 93 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 9.0 months a year More than 100 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.63 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 10 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Anaheim, Irvine, Santa Ana (Census, 1 July 2024).
Orange County page → -
Placer County
442,081 residents, 98,138 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.7 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,956 Lower than 55 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 97 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.40 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 44 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,957 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln (Census, 1 July 2024).
Placer County page → -
Plumas County
18,583 residents, 6,306 aged 65 or older (33.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,465 Lower than 68 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Plumas County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.16 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,034 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Portola (Census, 1 July 2024).
Plumas County page → -
Riverside County
2,544,916 residents, 435,849 aged 65 or older (17.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.4 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,731 Lower than 61 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 4 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 76 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.33 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona (Census, 1 July 2024).
Riverside County page → -
Sacramento County
1,618,460 residents, 275,559 aged 65 or older (17.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.7 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,569 Lower than 65 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 5 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 56 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.02 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 77 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sacramento County page → -
San Benito County
70,082 residents, 10,805 aged 65 or older (15.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 110.4 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,841 Lower than 58 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- San Benito County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.04 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Hollister, San Juan Bautista (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Benito County page → -
San Bernardino County
2,224,091 residents, 323,852 aged 65 or older (14.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.4 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,452 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 50 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.21 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Bernardino, Fontana, Ontario (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Bernardino County page → -
San Diego County
3,282,248 residents, 573,993 aged 65 or older (17.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 111.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,364 Lower than 72 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 13 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 88 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 6.0 months a year More than 88 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.18 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 16 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Diego, Chula Vista, Oceanside (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Diego County page → -
San Francisco County
826,079 residents, 155,701 aged 65 or older (18.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 115.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,475 Lower than 68 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 5 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 5.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 71 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.10 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 6 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,918 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: San Francisco (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Francisco County page → -
San Joaquin County
823,815 residents, 123,725 aged 65 or older (15.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 105.1 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Stockton-Lodi, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,612 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 10.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 34 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 30 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,045 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Stockton, Tracy, Manteca (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Joaquin County page → -
San Luis Obispo County
282,367 residents, 70,439 aged 65 or older (24.9 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.6 Cheaper than 2 % of the other 3,142 US counties San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,392 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 1.7 per 100,000 a year Lower than 98 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.44 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 12 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Luis Obispo, El Paso de Robles (Paso Robles), Atascadero (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Luis Obispo County page → -
San Mateo County
743,568 residents, 144,132 aged 65 or older (19.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 115.6 Cheaper than 0 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,136 Lower than 79 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 4 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 92 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Mateo, Daly City, Redwood City (Census, 1 July 2024).
San Mateo County page → -
Santa Barbara County
442,065 residents, 83,798 aged 65 or older (19.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.8 Cheaper than 2 % of the other 3,142 US counties Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,259 Lower than 75 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 85 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.78 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,586 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Lompoc (Census, 1 July 2024).
Santa Barbara County page → -
Santa Clara County
1,914,391 residents, 311,142 aged 65 or older (16.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 110.4 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- Santa Clara County has no property-tax figure: the Census publishes no single median taxes paid or home value for it (too few sample cases, or a median beyond the end of its table).
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.4 per 100,000 a year Lower than 93 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,045 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara (Census, 1 July 2024).
Santa Clara County page → -
Santa Cruz County
258,852 residents, 57,528 aged 65 or older (22.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 109.9 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,227 Lower than 76 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.5 per 100,000 a year Lower than 84 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.97 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,706 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley (Census, 1 July 2024).
Santa Cruz County page → -
Shasta County
181,648 residents, 43,779 aged 65 or older (24.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.7 Cheaper than 8 % of the other 3,142 US counties Redding, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,428 Lower than 70 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 60 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.99 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Redding, Anderson, Shasta Lake (Census, 1 July 2024).
Shasta County page → -
Sierra County
3,098 residents, 1,072 aged 65 or older (34.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,403 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sierra County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $6.66 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $7,198 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Loyalton (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sierra County page → -
Siskiyou County
42,013 residents, 12,690 aged 65 or older (30.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,231 Lower than 76 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Siskiyou County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.57 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 4 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Yreka, Mount Shasta, Weed (Census, 1 July 2024).
Siskiyou County page → -
Solano County
455,376 residents, 87,943 aged 65 or older (19.3 %)
- Cost of living
- 108.5 Cheaper than 2 % of the other 3,142 US counties Vallejo, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,618 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 8.2 per 100,000 a year Lower than 44 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.70 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 9 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $6,058 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Solano County page → -
Sonoma County
486,444 residents, 117,598 aged 65 or older (24.2 %)
- Cost of living
- 107.8 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,444 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 2.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 92 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.29 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,806 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sonoma County page → -
Stanislaus County
557,719 residents, 86,860 aged 65 or older (15.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.1 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Modesto, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,501 Lower than 67 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 4.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 79 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.45 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 41 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,045 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Modesto, Turlock, Ceres (Census, 1 July 2024).
Stanislaus County page → -
Sutter County
98,787 residents, 17,592 aged 65 or older (17.8 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.2 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Yuba City, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,639 Lower than 63 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Sutter County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 73 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,566 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Yuba City, Live Oak (Census, 1 July 2024).
Sutter County page → -
Tehama County
64,665 residents, 14,228 aged 65 or older (22.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,183 Lower than 77 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 1 hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.1 per 100,000 a year Lower than 53 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $4.05 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Red Bluff, Corning, Tehama (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tehama County page → -
Trinity County
15,720 residents, 4,724 aged 65 or older (30.1 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,028 Lower than 81 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Trinity County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $6.67 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 0 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two No Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage is offered here (CMS, plan year 2027).
No incorporated place in this county (Census, 1 July 2024).
Trinity County page → -
Tulare County
485,146 residents, 65,466 aged 65 or older (13.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 99.8 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Visalia, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,458 Lower than 69 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 7.8 per 100,000 a year Lower than 46 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.98 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 19 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Visalia, Tulare, Porterville (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tulare County page → -
Tuolumne County
53,160 residents, 16,232 aged 65 or older (30.5 %)
- Cost of living
- 100.0 Cheaper than 10 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. California nonmetropolitan portion, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,314 Lower than 73 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- Tuolumne County had fewer than 20 homicides in 2020–2024: CDC WONDER publishes no reliable rate below that.
- Climate
- 4.0 months a year More than 7 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.24 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 5 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest place: Sonora (Census, 1 July 2024).
Tuolumne County page → -
Ventura County
830,851 residents, 165,764 aged 65 or older (20.0 %)
- Cost of living
- 110.5 Cheaper than 1 % of the other 3,142 US counties Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,371 Lower than 71 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 3 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.0 per 100,000 a year Lower than 88 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 7.0 months a year More than 95 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $3.71 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 3 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks (Census, 1 July 2024).
Ventura County page → -
Yolo County
224,410 residents, 35,055 aged 65 or older (15.6 %)
- Cost of living
- 106.7 Cheaper than 3 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,678 Lower than 62 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- 2 hospitals in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 3.6 per 100,000 a year Lower than 84 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 5.0 months a year More than 39 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $1.59 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 33 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $4,870 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Davis, Woodland, West Sacramento (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yolo County page → -
Yuba County
88,691 residents, 12,755 aged 65 or older (14.4 %)
- Cost of living
- 104.2 Cheaper than 4 % of the other 3,142 US counties Its area's figure: every county in the area shares it. Yuba City, CA metropolitan area, US = 100
- Taxes on a retired couple
- USD $2,607 Lower than 64 % of the other 3,110 US counties
- Healthcare access
- No hospital in the county rated 4 or 5 stars by CMS
- Safety
- 6.9 per 100,000 a year Lower than 54 % of the other 767 US counties
- Climate
- 3.0 months a year More than 2 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Natural-hazard risk
- USD $2.47 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 11 % of the other 3,143 US counties
- Medicare premiums
- Advantage USD $5,566 · Original + drug plan USD $8,483 a year for two Typical plans; premiums only, not the cost of care
Largest places: Marysville, Wheatland (Census, 1 July 2024).
Yuba County page →
Sources: US Census Bureau, county population estimates by age, 1 July 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024, all items, of each county's metropolitan area or its state's nonmetropolitan portion; The state's published 2025 income-tax rules, the county's own local income tax where one is levied, and the county's 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; CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by county of residence; CHELSA V2.1 monthly maximum temperature, 1981-2010 (~1 km), averaged over the county, Karger et al.; FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), county expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB); CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
Where California stands, on the six criteria
California's six figures are the ones that set its place on the state ranking, where it sits in Tier 6 of 16. Each is measured for the whole of California, not for any single place within it.
| Criterion | California |
|---|---|
| Cost of living BEA price level, all items (US = 100); lower is better |
110.7 Cheaper than 0% of the other 50 · housing 154.3 · goods 106.1 · utilities 158.9 · other services 102.6
BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5) · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-08-28
|
| Taxes on a retired couple state and local tax on the example retired couple, USD a year; lower is better |
USD $2,441 (90% margin USD $2,432–$2,450) Lower than 76% of the other 50
Each state's published 2025 income-tax rules and the Census ACS property-tax ratio, applied to the example household · figure for 2025
|
| Healthcare access share of residents 65+ living in a county with a 4- or 5-star CMS hospital; higher is better |
91 % of residents 65+ Higher than 94% of the other 50
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) · figure for 2026 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Safety homicides per 100,000 a year, 2020–2024, by state of residence; lower is better |
5.6 per 100,000 a year (95% interval 5.5–5.7) Lower than 58% of the other 50
CDC WONDER, Underlying Cause of Death 2018-2024 (Single Race, final), by state of residence · figure for 2024 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Climate months a year whose mean daily high is 18–29 °C (64–84 °F), 1981–2010; more is better |
6.0 months a year More than 96% of the other 50
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) · figure for 2010 · checked 2026-10-27
|
| Natural-hazard risk expected yearly loss to buildings from natural hazards, per USD $1,000 of buildings; lower is better |
USD $3.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings Lower than 2% of the other 50
FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB) · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-10-27
|
Medicare in California
For the published example couple, both 67 and married: what Medicare premiums cost a year for two in California, and the most a bad year can cost. What care itself costs depends on a person's health, so it is not estimated here.
Medicare Advantage, with drug coverage
USD $4,870 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,870)
At most USD $10,870 in a bad year (from USD $5,460), with each person's in-network out-of-pocket maximum
The middle of the 41 plans offered here; "from" is the lowest premium among them.
Original Medicare, with a drug plan
USD $8,483 a year for two in premiums (from USD $4,997)
Medigap: no federal price list — not in this total.
No yearly maximum on Original Medicare alone.
Part B for two, plus the middle of the 10 standalone drug plans offered in the state.
The middle of California's 58 counties, weighted by residents 65 or older (US Census Bureau, 1 July 2025); 3 have no Advantage plan and are left out of that column.
The 2027 Part B premium is not yet published (CMS usually publishes it in November); 2026's is used.
Source: CMS, Medicare Advantage and Part D Landscape, plan year 2027; CMS, 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles (fact sheet, 14 Nov 2025).
California gives Medigap policyholders an annual open enrollment period of at least 60 days, starting on their birthday, to buy any Medigap policy with equal or lesser benefits without being denied or charged more because of health. California's rule
Free, official Medicare counseling in California: California Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), 1-800-434-0222 (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program).
Retiring to California: pros and cons, by the figures
Retiring to California, judged on the six figures above: a pro is a figure in the top fifth of the states, a con one in the bottom fifth. Figures in between get no verdict.
Pros
- Healthcare access: higher than 94% of the other 50 (91 % of residents 65+). 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)
- Climate: more than 96% of the other 50 (6.0 months a year). 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)
Cons
- Cost of living: dearer than 100% of the other 50 (110.7). BEA Regional Price Parities by state, 2024 (SARPP, line codes 1-5)
- Natural-hazard risk: higher than 98% of the other 50 (USD $3.06 per USD $1,000 of buildings). FEMA, National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), state expected annual loss to buildings (EAL_VALB)
Also shown, not scored
California's other state-wide figures: shown for context, not part of its tier. Measured for the whole of California — not for any single place within it.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
|
Population
Total resident population, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredTotal resident population, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. Bigger is not better — this axis exists for context, never for ranking. |
39,355,309 people |
|
Population 65 plus
Residents aged 65 or older, US Census Bureau estimate for 1 July 2025.
How this is measuredResident population aged 65 or older, Census Bureau estimate as of 1 July 2025, as reported in SSA's Table 1. |
6,901,168 people |
|
Social security beneficiary share
Everyone receiving Social Security — retired, disabled, survivors and dependants — as a share of the population, 2025.
How this is measuredAll OASDI beneficiaries — retired workers, disabled workers, survivors and dependants — as a percentage of the total resident population. SSA Table 1 (2025), population as of 1 July 2025. Not the same measure as the county-level retired-worker share. |
17.3 percent |
Source for every figure: SSA Table 1 (2025) · Census population as of 1 July 2025 · figure for 2025 · checked 2026-08-28 Official source
Taxes on a retired couple in California
We apply California's published rules for tax year 2025 to one example household and show the sum, line by line. These are rules already in force for 2025, not a projection.
The example household
| Filing status | married filing jointly, both aged 67 |
|---|---|
| Social Security | USD $45,000 a year, combined |
| Private pension | USD $25,000 a year |
| IRA or 401(k) withdrawal | USD $20,000 a year |
| Home, for property tax | USD $350,000 |
An illustrative household, the same for every state so states can be compared. Each spouse holds half of each income. Your own figures will differ.
California's rules applied
Federal income tax is left out: it is the same in every state, so it cannot separate them. Sales tax is left out too: it depends on what a household buys, and no state publishes an average of its local rates. The rate is listed below.
The rules behind the sum
- Top income-tax rate: 12.3 % California Franchise Tax Board, 2025 Form 540 Personal Income Tax Booklet (Schedule Y) · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Social Security excluded (Schedule CA): 100 % of it California Franchise Tax Board, 2025 Form 540 Booklet, Schedule CA instructions · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Standard deduction, married/RDP filing jointly: USD $11,412 California Franchise Tax Board, 2025 Form 540 Booklet, line 18 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Personal exemption credit: USD $153 per person California Franchise Tax Board, 2025 Form 540, line 7 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Senior exemption credit, age 65 or older: USD $153 per person, from age 65 California Franchise Tax Board, 2025 Form 540, line 9 · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Statewide sales tax 7.25 %, plus district taxes of 0.10 %-2.00 % where levied: 7.25 % California Department of Tax and Fee Administration: California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates · checked Oct 26, 2026
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