The Best and Worst Place To Retire in Every State

Date:

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Some cities are better suited for retirement than others.

To determine the best and worst place in each U.S. state to retire, GOBankingRates used the U.S. Census American Community Survey to find each city’s total population, total households, percentage of the population aged 65-plus, the percentage of the 65-plus population below the poverty rate, and the total number of residents aged 65-plus under the poverty rate.

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Additional factors sourced from the survey include the number of households that receive Social Security income, along with the average Social Security income amount, and the number of households that receive retirement income, as well as the average retirement income.

Each city’s cost of living index was also sourced along with calculations for each city’s average expenditure cost. These expenditure costs were combined with the average mortgage cost for the total monthly cost of living.

In alphabetical order, here are the best and worst places to retire across America.

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©Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Alabama

  • Best city: Orange Beach

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $30,223

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $27,361

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,860

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,684

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $618,344

  • Livability: 77

  • Worst city: Tarrant

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $12,421

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $14,781

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,903

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $433

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $72,682

  • Livability: 45

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©U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Alaska

  • Best city: Sterling

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,639

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,706

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,148

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,057

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $345,320

  • Livability: 59

  • Worst city: Meadow Lakes

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,733

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,810

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,362

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,043

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $342,871

  • Livability: 50

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halbergman / Getty Images/iStockphotohalbergman / Getty Images/iStockphoto

halbergman / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Arizona

  • Best city: Sun City

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $27,654

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $25,346

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,870

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,976

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $331,680

  • Livability: 71

  • Worst city: Somerton

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $42,864

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $15,533

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,044

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,557

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $261,270

  • Livability: 60

dlewis33 / Getty Images/iStockphotodlewis33 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

dlewis33 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Arkansas

  • Best city: Cherokee Village

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $18,069

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,387

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,650

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $834

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $139,909

  • Livability: 59

  • Worst city: Wynne

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $21,862

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,074

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,629

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $769

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $129,023

  • Livability: 54

Pictured: Little Rock, Arkansas

Dolly442 / Wikimedia CommonsDolly442 / Wikimedia Commons

Dolly442 / Wikimedia Commons

Best and Worst Place To Retire: California

  • Best city: Laguna Woods

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $41,089

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $24,300

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,915

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,874

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $482,377

  • Livability: 72

  • Worst city: Orange Cove

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $31,666

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $9,788

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,885

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,624

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $272,535

  • Livability: 45

Daniel Case / Wikimedia CommonsDaniel Case / Wikimedia Commons

Daniel Case / Wikimedia Commons

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Colorado

  • Best city: Salida

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $44,791

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,412

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,726

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $4,159

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $698,073

  • Livability: 83

  • Worst city: Aspen

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,668

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $28,913

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,739

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $54,999

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $9,231,824

  • Livability: 66

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Alexey Smolyanyy / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Connecticut

  • Best city: Meriden

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $29,536

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,732

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,036

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,839

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $308,689

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Stamford

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $37,859

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,074

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,237

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $4,979

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $835,703

  • Livability: 70

DenisTangneyJr / Getty ImagesDenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Delaware

  • Best city: Newark

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $45,461

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $27,664

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,052

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,103

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $352,939

  • Livability: 83

  • Worst city: Wilmington

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,660

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,414

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,959

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,903

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $319,510

  • Livability: 62

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphotoSean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Washington, D.C.

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $49,072

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,782

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,107

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $4,361

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $732,079

  • Livability: 75

Art Wager / iStock.comArt Wager / iStock.com

Art Wager / iStock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Florida

  • Best city: The Villages

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $45,870

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $30,704

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,816

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,442

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $409,945

  • Livability: 70

  • Worst city: Miami Beach

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $32,109

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,980

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,030

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $15,437

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $2,591,111

  • Livability: 70

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©Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Georgia

  • Best city: Skidaway Island

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $61,619

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $31,361

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,842

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $5,459

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $916,364

  • Livability: 61

  • Worst city: Lovejoy

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $10,827

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $13,528

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,950

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,771

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $297,315

  • Livability: 61

zorazhuang / Getty Images/iStockphotozorazhuang / Getty Images/iStockphoto

zorazhuang / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Hawaii

  • Best city: Kaneohe

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $41,756

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $24,446

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,389

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $6,809

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $1,142,909

  • Livability: 72

  • Worst city: Kapolei

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $39,864

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $27,077

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,507

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $5,378

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $902,770

  • Livability: 68

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Idaho

  • Best city: Post Falls

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,638

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,500

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,746

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,993

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $502,415

  • Livability: 88

  • Worst city: Hailey

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $27,256

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,165

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,768

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $5,247

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $880,764

  • Livability: 69

andyKRAKOVSKI / Getty Images/iStockphotoandyKRAKOVSKI / Getty Images/iStockphoto

andyKRAKOVSKI / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Illinois

  • Best city: Willowbrook

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,694

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $28,791

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,922

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,691

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $451,683

  • Livability: 78

  • Worst city: West Chicago

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,276

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,267

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,893

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,139

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $359,039

  • Livability: 62

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©Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Indiana

  • Best city: Bedford

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,770

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,160

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,671

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,200

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $201,497

  • Livability: 79

  • Worst city: Lake Station

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,019

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,342

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,753

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $911

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $152,848

  • Livability: 62

Pictured: Bloomington, Indiana

Laurens Hoddenbagh / Shutterstock.comLaurens Hoddenbagh / Shutterstock.com

Laurens Hoddenbagh / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Iowa

  • Best city: Pella

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,480

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $25,563

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,707

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,011

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $337,592

  • Livability: 89

  • Worst city: Iowa City

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $32,129

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $24,092

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,925

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,918

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $321,871

  • Livability: 83

cweimer4 / Getty Imagescweimer4 / Getty Images

cweimer4 / Getty Images

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Kansas

  • Best city: Abilene

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,331

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,524

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,767

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,028

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $172,580

  • Livability: 76

  • Worst city: Liberal

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,750

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,592

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,773

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $832

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $139,585

  • Livability: 67

Pictured: Wichita, Kansas

Kirkikis / Getty ImagesKirkikis / Getty Images

Kirkikis / Getty Images

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Kentucky

  • Best city: Edgewood

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $48,261

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $28,779

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,861

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,122

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $356,165

  • Livability: 88

  • Worst city: Oak Grove

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $18,760

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,515

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,753

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,196

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $200,817

  • Livability: 57

Pictured: Lexington, Kentucky

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Art Wager / Getty Images/iStockphotoArt Wager / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Art Wager / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Louisiana

  • Best city: Metairie

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $33,659

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,830

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,891

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,754

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $294,384

  • Livability: 85

  • Worst city: Bastrop

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $11,895

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $15,196

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,890

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $477

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $80,029

  • Livability: 51

Photo Italia LLC / Getty Images/iStockphotoPhoto Italia LLC / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Photo Italia LLC / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Maine

  • Best city: Brunswick

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,447

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,443

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,778

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,020

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $507,004

  • Livability: 87

  • Worst city: Brewer

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $27,901

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,028

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,792

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,691

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $283,925

  • Livability: 69

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphotoDenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Maryland

  • Best city: Cumberland

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $27,067

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,959

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,656

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $872

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $146,303

  • Livability: 78

  • Worst city: Bladensburg

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $23,667

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,049

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,036

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,074

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $348,153

  • Livability: 69

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphotoSeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

SeanPavonePhoto / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Massachusetts

  • Best city: Wakefield

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $38,725

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,686

  • Average monthly total cost of living: 1,919

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $4,954

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $831,520

  • Livability: 88

  • Worst city: Cambridge

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $44,415

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,946

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,257

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $10,699

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $1,795,882

  • Livability: 86

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Corrado Baratta / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Michigan

  • Best city: Ludington

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $21,750

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,587

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,582

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,634

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $274,286

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Benton Harbor

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $10,608

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $14,454

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,715

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $850

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $142,710

  • Livability: 55

Bobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia CommonsBobak Ha'Eri / Wikimedia Commons

Bobak Ha’Eri / Wikimedia Commons

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Minnesota

  • Best city: Fergus Falls

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,904

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,846

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,539

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,136

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $190,691

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Oak Grove

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $23,137

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,719

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,822

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,702

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $453,496

  • Livability: 62

jayperk / Flickr.comjayperk / Flickr.com

jayperk / Flickr.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Mississippi

  • Best city: Ocean Springs

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,647

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,409

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,787

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,566

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $262,881

  • Livability: 84

  • Worst city: Brookhaven

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $23,478

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $16,976

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,735

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,008

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $169,223

  • Livability: 62

Ken seghers / Flickr.comKen seghers / Flickr.com

Ken seghers / Flickr.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Missouri

  • Best city: Weldon Spring

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $42,515

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,584

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,788

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,726

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $625,365

  • Livability: 74

  • Worst city: Glasgow Village

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $3,795

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,835

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,764

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $385

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $64,631

  • Livability: 54

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Scott Wilson Photography / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Montana

  • Best city: Helena

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,914

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,621

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,685

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,821

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $473,556

  • Livability: 81

  • Worst city: Belgrade

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $38,274

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $16,426

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,782

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,418

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $573,779

  • Livability: 77

Atomic Energy505 / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 3Atomic Energy505 / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 3

Atomic Energy505 / Wikimedia Commons CC-BY-SA 3

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Nebraska

  • Best city: Papillion

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $40,370

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $24,986

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,900

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,393

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $401,739

  • Livability: 85

  • Worst city: Kearney

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $23,254

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,878

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,257

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,766

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $296,485

  • Livability: 82

constantgardener / Getty Images/iStockphotoconstantgardener / Getty Images/iStockphoto

constantgardener / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Nevada

  • Best city: Mesquite

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $38,444

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,855

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,807

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,399

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $402,699

  • Livability: 76

  • Worst city: Sun Valley

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $21,550

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,636

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,835

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,474

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $415,261

  • Livability: 60

Pierre-Olivier Valiquette / Getty Images/iStockphotoPierre-Olivier Valiquette / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Pierre-Olivier Valiquette / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: New Hampshire

  • Best city: Concord

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $29,570

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,853

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,737

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,642

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $443,470

  • Livability: 88

  • Worst city: Lebanon

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $46,845

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $25,172

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,759

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,772

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $465,248

  • Livability: 65

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Jim.henderson / Wikimedia CommonsJim.henderson / Wikimedia Commons

Jim.henderson / Wikimedia Commons

Best and Worst Place To Retire: New Jersey

  • Best city: Mays Landing

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $37,576

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $29,306

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,828

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,978

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $332,047

  • Livability: 74

  • Worst city: Passaic

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $18,014

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,831

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,102

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,261

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $547,431

  • Livability: 60

EKH-Pictures / Getty Images/iStockphotoEKH-Pictures / Getty Images/iStockphoto

EKH-Pictures / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: New Mexico

  • Best city: Raton

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,307

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,899

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,656

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $822

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $138,025

  • Livability: 71

  • Worst city: Chaparral

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $22,638

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,257

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,699

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,133

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $190,258

  • Livability: 45

Pictured: Roswell, New Mexico

benedek / Getty Images/iStockphotobenedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

benedek / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: New York

  • Best city: Fredonia

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $26,532

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,594

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,761

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,164

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $195,320

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Monsey

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $31,311

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,781

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,396

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $7,385

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $1,239,569

  • Livability: 61

Pictured: Buffalo, New York

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphotoSean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: North Carolina

  • Best city: Black Mountain

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $37,169

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $27,365

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,951

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,868

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $481,489

  • Livability: 85

  • Worst city: Spring Lake

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $16,157

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $14,257

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,835

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,523

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $255,576

  • Livability: 59

Pictured: Asheville, North Carolina

Read More: The Average Retirement Age in 2024: US vs. Canada

sakakawea7 / Getty Images/iStockphotosakakawea7 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

sakakawea7 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: North Dakota

  • Best city: Bismarck

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $34,756

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,218

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,691

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,200

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $369,361

  • Livability: 78

  • Worst city: Watford City

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $16,717

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,732

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,762

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,929

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $323,779

  • Livability: 71

Cory C. Sitko / Flickr.comCory C. Sitko / Flickr.com

Cory C. Sitko / Flickr.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Ohio

  • Best city: Strongsville

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $37,302

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,887

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,719

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,072

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $347,719

  • Livability: 87

  • Worst city: Moraine

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $20,062

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,510

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,727

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $916

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $153,696

  • Livability: 51

©Northwestern Oklahoma State University©Northwestern Oklahoma State University

©Northwestern Oklahoma State University

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Oklahoma

  • Best city: Alva

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $32,717

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,954

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,893

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $582

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $97,740

  • Livability: 80

  • Worst city: Anadarko

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $23,696

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $15,555

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,129

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $358

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $60,161

  • Livability: 53

©Shutterstock.com©Shutterstock.com

©Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Oregon

  • Best city: Florence

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,735

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,417

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,715

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,552

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $428,434

  • Livability: 69

  • Worst city: Independence

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,316

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,969

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,778

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,470

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $414,562

  • Livability: 66

Try This: Trump Wants To Eliminate Social Security Taxes: Here’s How Much the Average Retiree Would Save

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphotoSean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Pennsylvania

  • Best city: Titusville

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $18,140

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $19,844

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,750

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $616

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $103,403

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Philadelphia

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,430

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,515

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,084

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,307

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $219,330

  • Livability: 76

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphotoDenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

DenisTangneyJr / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Rhode Island

  • Best city: Cranston

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $27,851

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,259

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,891

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,528

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $424,290

  • Livability: 85

  • Worst city: Central Falls

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $13,855

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $15,903

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,929

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,094

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $351,435

  • Livability: 64

Craig McCausland / iStock.comCraig McCausland / iStock.com

Craig McCausland / iStock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: South Carolina

  • Best city: Murrells Inlet

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $35,756

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $26,060

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,749

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,610

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $438,131

  • Livability: 74

  • Worst city: Central

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $17,844

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $17,580

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,820

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,589

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $266,750

  • Livability: 62

Pictured: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.comJacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: South Dakota

  • Best city: Brandon

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $26,280

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,963

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,778

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,272

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $381,333

  • Livability: 87

  • Worst city: Box Elder

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $35,312

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $16,821

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,031

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,045

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $343,185

  • Livability: 63

Trending Now: 2 Things Empty Nesters Should Stop Investing In To Boost Retirement Savings

Michael Hatak / Shutterstock.comMichael Hatak / Shutterstock.com

Michael Hatak / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Tennessee

  • Best city: Paris

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $18,923

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,692

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,680

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,172

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $196,681

  • Livability: 73

  • Worst city: La Vergne

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $16,668

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,135

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,876

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,076

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $348,387

  • Livability: 65

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphotoSean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Sean Pavone / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Texas

  • Best city: Kerrville

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $29,762

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,751

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,719

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,148

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $360,589

  • Livability: 81

  • Worst city: Sparks

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $28,649

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $10,441

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,747

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $918

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $154,119

  • Livability: 53

Pictured: El Paso, Texas

miroslav_1 / Getty Images/iStockphotomiroslav_1 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

miroslav_1 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Utah

  • Best city: Taylorsville

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $26,902

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,829

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,796

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,916

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $489,532

  • Livability: 86

  • Worst city: Salt Lake City

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $31,927

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $22,625

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,811

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,573

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $599,714

  • Livability: 75

lukaszuka / Getty Images/iStockphotolukaszuka / Getty Images/iStockphoto

lukaszuka / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Vermont

  • Best city: Middlebury

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $42,945

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,201

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,983

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,662

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $446,835

  • Livability: 81

  • Worst city: Burlington

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $29,313

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,305

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,309

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $3,349

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $562,201

  • Livability: 74

Read Next: 8 Tips To Fly Business Class for the Price of Economy

©Shutterstock.com©Shutterstock.com

©Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Virginia

  • Best city: Lynchburg

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $24,022

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,748

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,767

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,516

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $254,394

  • Livability: 91

  • Worst city: Fredericksburg

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $40,461

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,790

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,915

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,729

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $458,093

  • Livability: 65

benedek / Getty Imagesbenedek / Getty Images

benedek / Getty Images

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Washington

  • Best city: Centralia

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $19,853

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $18,461

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,602

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,340

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $392,708

  • Livability: 79

  • Worst city: Seattle

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $35,689

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $24,071

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,899

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $5,807

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $974,785

  • Livability: 75

Famartin / Wikimedia CommonsFamartin / Wikimedia Commons

Famartin / Wikimedia Commons

Best and Worst Place To Retire: West Virginia

  • Best city: Bridgeport

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $24,182

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $23,396

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,899

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,766

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $296,452

  • Livability: 82

  • Worst city: Charles Town

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $32,152

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $20,739

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,172

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,327

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $390,658

  • Livability: 75

Michael Tatman / Shutterstock.comMichael Tatman / Shutterstock.com

Michael Tatman / Shutterstock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Wisconsin

  • Best city: Wausau

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $21,953

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,359

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,711

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,291

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $216,754

  • Livability: 90

  • Worst city: La Crosse

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,867

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,524

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,008

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $1,486

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $249,422

  • Livability: 67

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Davel5957 / iStock.comDavel5957 / iStock.com

Davel5957 / iStock.com

Best and Worst Place To Retire: Wyoming

  • Best city: Cheyenne

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $35,005

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,592

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $1,987

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,196

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $368,600

  • Livability: 83

  • Worst city: Laramie

  • Average income of households with retirement income: $25,747

  • Average income of households with Social Security income: $21,607

  • Average monthly total cost of living: $2,196

  • Average monthly mortgage cost: $2,171

  • Average single family home value (May 2024): $364,435

  • Livability: 70

Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed cities across the United States to find the best and worst places to retire in every state. First, GOBankingRates found the total population, total households, population of ages 65+, percentage of population below poverty rate of residents aged 65+, total number of residents under poverty rate of ages 65+, the number of households that receive Social Security income, the number of households that receive retirement income, the average retirement income for households whom receive retirement income, and the average Social Security income for households that receive Social Security income, all sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey DP03 and S0101. For each city, the cost of living indexes were sourced from Sperling’s BestPlaces and using the national average expenditure costs for retired residents aged 65+, the average expenditure cost for each city can be calculated. The average single family home value for May 2024 was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index, and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Data, the average mortgage cost for each city was calculated. The average mortgage cost and expenditure costs can be summed to find the total monthly cost of living. The percentage of the population aged 65+ who are below the poverty line was scored and weighted at 1.00, the Social Security income was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average Social Security income for households with Social Security income was scored and weighted at 1.00, the percentage of households with retirement income was scored and weighted at 1.00, the average retirement income was scored and weighted at 1.00, the monthly expenditure costs were scored and weighted at 1.00, the monthly mortgage cost was scored and weighted at 1.00, and the livability was scored and weighted at 1.00. The highest score was recorded for the best place to retire in each state, and the lowest score was recorded for the worst place to retire in each state. All data was collected on and is up to date as of June 24, 2024.

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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Best and Worst Place To Retire in Every State

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