What state is the safest to retire to?

New Jersey is frequently ranked as the top state for retirement safety in 2025 due to its low rates of violent crime, property crime, and fatal accidents among seniors. Other top contenders for safety include New Hampshire, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Vermont, which are noted for low crime rates and high community trust.

What is the cheapest and safest state to retire in?

Here are some of the best states to retire in on a fixed income, based on these criteria:

• Mississippi. Cost of Living: Lowest in the U.S. ...
• Alabama. Cost of Living: Significantly lower than the national average. ...
• Arkansas. Cost of Living: Among the lowest in the nation. ...
• Oklahoma. ...
• West Virginia. ...
• Tennessee. ...
• South Carolina. ...
• Kentucky.

What is the #1 retirement state?

There's no single #1 state, as it depends on priorities, but Florida often tops lists for low taxes & warmth (WalletHub, Edelman), while New Hampshire leads for overall well-being, safety, & healthcare (Bankrate), and Wyoming scores high for tax competitiveness (Empower). Other top contenders include Maine, Vermont, Wyoming, Minnesota, and Utah, showcasing a mix of sunny & four-season locations excelling in different factors like affordability, healthcare, or lifestyle.
 

What is the best state to retire in if you want your money to last?

For your money to last in retirement, focus on states with low taxes (especially no state income tax), low cost of living (housing, groceries, utilities), and good healthcare access, with top contenders often including Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Texas, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Missouri, offering benefits like tax-free Social Security, affordable homes, and general affordability for retirees. 

What is the most retirement friendly state?

9 Best States to Retire

• Delaware. ...
• Florida. ...
• Georgia. ...
• Maryland. ...
• New Jersey. ...
• North Carolina. ...
• Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is packed with history and charm. ...
• South Carolina. South Carolina is a great choice for retirees, offering warm weather, plenty of things to do, and lots of amenities.

10 Best States for Single Retirees to Live in 2025

Which states don't tax social security for retirees?

All states and the District of Columbia impose these taxes except Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon.

Where can I retire on $2000 a month in the United States?

You can retire comfortably on $2,000 a month in the U.S. by focusing on affordable Midwest and Southern cities, with top contenders including Fort Wayne, Indiana, Fargo, North Dakota, Knoxville, Tennessee, Oklahoma City, Cincinnati, Ohio, and several locations in Texas (like Brownsville, Abilene) and Florida (like Tallahassee, Fort Myers), which offer lower costs for housing, groceries, and healthcare while still providing good livability and amenities. 

What is the $1000 a month rule for retirement?

The $1,000 a month retirement rule is a simple guideline stating you need about $240,000 saved for every $1,000 of monthly income you want from your investments in retirement, based on a 5% annual withdrawal rate ($240k x 0.05 / 12 = $1k/month). It's a motivational tool to estimate savings goals (e.g., $3,000/month needs $720k), but it's one-dimensional, doesn't account for inflation, taxes, or other income like Social Security, and assumes steady 5% returns, making a personalized plan essential. 

Where is the nicest and cheapest place to retire?

1. Fargo, ND. With its low costs and generous tax situation, North Dakota has consistently ranked high among our best states for retirement.

What is the best age to retire?

“Most studies suggest that people who retire between the ages of 64 and 66 often strike a balance between good physical health and having the freedom to enjoy retirement,” she says. “This period generally comes before the sharp rise in health issues which people see in their late 70s.

Can I live on $5000 a month in retirement?

To retire comfortably, many retirees need between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, or $5,000 to $8,300 per month. This varies based on personal financial needs and expenses.

Where do the happiest retirees live in the USA?

Caring.com's 2025 Senior Happiness Index identifies states where seniors are most content, connected, and live longest. Utah is ranked as the happiest state for older adults due to high volunteer rates, good health, and excellent health care access.

Which state has no property tax for seniors?

States that offer property tax exemptions to seniors

Alabama: Exempts seniors from the state portion of property taxes; county taxes may still apply. Alaska: Exempts the first $150,000 of assessed home value for homeowners aged 65-plus.

Where is the cheapest but nicest place to live in the US?

The cheapest, best places to live in the U.S. often involve the Midwest and South, with cities like Wichita (KS), Fort Wayne (IN), Dayton (OH), and Knoxville (TN) offering low housing costs and good value, while states like West Virginia, Mississippi, and Oklahoma consistently rank as most affordable overall. Key factors are low housing prices and a cost of living significantly below the national average, with some top contenders being Decatur (IL), Enid (OK), and Brownsville (TX), but "best" depends on balancing budget with lifestyle needs like jobs, culture, and amenities. 

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in social security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 

Is it better to rent or buy in retirement?

Renting vs. buying in retirement involves a trade-off between flexibility/less responsibility (renting) and stability/equity (owning), with renting offering freedom to move and no maintenance worries but rising costs, while owning provides fixed housing costs (if paid off) and potential appreciation but requires upkeep and commitment, making the best choice highly personal, depending on your finances, health, and desired lifestyle. 

What is the cheapest and happiest state for retirees?

Best and worst states to retire

Three states rise to the top as the most economically retirement-friendly: Mississippi, Florida and Wyoming. Mississippi's low cost of living, affordable healthcare and budget-friendly housing make it an ideal choice for retirees looking to stretch their dollars.

Where in the world can you live on $1200 a month?

Varna, Bulgaria—one of the cities highlighted in a new report on the world's most affordable places to live or retire for as little as $1,200 a month. That financial reality has more people exploring the idea of moving abroad—whether for retirement, remote work or a lifestyle change.

What is a good monthly income for a retired person?

A good monthly retirement income is often considered 70-80% of your pre-retirement income, but it truly depends on your lifestyle, location, and expenses, with benchmarks ranging from $4,000-$8,000+ monthly for a comfortable life, factoring in needs like housing, healthcare, and travel. Financial planners suggest calculating your specific "income gap" by subtracting guaranteed income (like Social Security) from your estimated needs to see what you need from savings. 

What state is best for seniors on social security?

For retirees living on Social Security, the best states offer low taxes (no state income tax on SS), low cost of living (especially housing), and affordability, with top contenders often including Mississippi, West Virginia, Arkansas, Iowa, Wyoming, and Florida, while states like Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Tennessee also rank highly for affordability and favorable tax environments, making every dollar stretch further. 

What is the $27.40 rule?

The $27.40 Rule is a personal finance strategy to save $10,000 in one year by consistently setting aside $27.40 every single day ($27.40 x 365 days = $10,001). It's a simple way to reach a large financial goal by breaking it down into small, manageable daily habits, making saving feel less intimidating and more achievable by cutting small, unnecessary expenses like daily coffees or lunches.
 

What is the nicest but cheapest country to live in?

10 of the cheapest and safest places to live in the world

• Albania.
• Portugal.
• Costa Rica.
• Panama.
• Mexico.
• Thailand.
• Malaysia.
• Vietnam.