Cost of living: 21 percent above U.S. average
Population: 7.8 million
Best city: Vancouver
PROS: The Pacific Northwest is undoubtedly beautiful, and the laid-back lifestyle may be extremely appealing, but unfortunately, living there does not come cheap. Retirees looking for a slightly more affordable option can check out Vancouver. It is less pricey and there is no state income tax.
CONS: It’s impossible to ignore the fact that the cost of living is 21 percent above the U.S. average. That may be less than the most expensive states, but still challenging for those on a fixed income. The average income for households of 65 and over is above $55K, so that is something to take into account.
Ohio
Cost of living : 12 percent below U.S. average
Population : 11.75 million
Best city: Bellbrook
PROS: The central location of the Buckeye State makes it a relatively easy place to travel from to visit friends and family on either coast or just go on vacation. The cost of living is low at 12 percent below the U.S. average and Social Security is not taxed.
CONS: The low cost of living and Social Security exemption may seem attractive, but the average household income for people 65 and over is not high. If you have plenty of savings, Ohio may be the place for you, otherwise, be prepared to deal with an average income of $42,667.
Nevada
Cost of living : 4 percent above U.S. average
Population : 3.1 million
Best city : Winchester
PROS: Nevada is definitely a tax-friendly state, with no taxes on Social Security or any other retirement income and no state income tax! Poverty rates for seniors are lower than the national average (8.4 percent compared with 9.4 percent). Also, it is the home of the gambling paradise, Las Vegas.
CONS: The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but the temperatures can get way higher than average, ranging from 50 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Nevada’s desert climate makes it semi-arid year-round, which might make it the driest state in the country. The low humidity, however, can be good for people with allergies or breathing problems and may even help some skin conditions.
Mississippi
Cost of living : 15 below the U.S. average
Population : 2.98 million
Best city : Hide-A-Way Lake
PROS: Retirees may flock to the Hospitality State for its low prices and attractive tax breaks. They won’t have to pay any taxes on their Social Security, distributions from IRA’s and 401K’s, or any additional retirement income. Plus, the state has the lowest property tax in the entire nation.
CONS: Although Mississippi offers low living costs and great tax breaks, the state is actually ranked last for senior health in America. Sadly, it also has the worst poverty rate for seniors in the U.S. – 13.4 percent.
Florida
Cost of living : 1 percent above U.S. average
Population : 21.5 million
Best city : Jacksonville
PROS: Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states in America. Maybe this, along with its sunny skies, is the reason the Sunshine State has the highest share of seniors in the United States. The state benefits are also very financially secure.
CONS: The weather in Florida is unpredictable. The heat and humidity can be unpleasant, or even unsafe for retirees with health conditions. There is also the danger of hurricanes and powerful lightning storms. When there isn’t a hurricane warning, the weather is pretty nice...