Avoid These 30 States in Retirement If You Want To Keep Your Money

Virginia Anderson

Sun, May 11, 2025, 9:02 AM 9 min read

Finding the right place to live out your retirement years isn’t easy. There’s a lot to consider, such as the cost of living, access to healthcare and taxes. Besides financial concerns, you’ll want to select a place that suits your lifestyle and offers activities that appeal to you, such as golf or the arts.

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Some states are more retiree friendly than others. If you’ll receive a pension or Social Security, consider whether your chosen state taxes your benefits. If you plan to buy a new home or already own one, compare property tax rates. You’ll find that your money stretches farther in some states than others.

Another factor is access to healthcare. If you have a medical condition, look for a location that provides the treatment you need. As you age, you may need additional medical care, including assisted living or nursing home services. Costs for healthcare needs may differ significantly from state to state.

GOBankingRates analyzed all 50 states across several financial factors, including state sales tax rates, property tax, home values, annual healthcare spending, cost of living and average Social Security benefits. Here are the 30 most expensive states for retirees, according to the findings.

Also see the worst states to retire if you have no more than $500,000 saved.

• State Sales Tax: 8.85%

• State Tax on Social Security Benefits: No

• Median Property Tax Rate: 0.75%

• Median Home Value: $802,223

• Average Annual Healthcare Spending: $8,181

• Cost of Living Index: 138.5

• Average Social Security Benefits: $1,883

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• State Sales Tax: 6.36%

• State Tax on Social Security Benefits: Yes

• Median Property Tax Rate: 1.83%

• Median Home Value: $384,416

• Average Annual Healthcare Spending: $7,992

• Cost of Living Index: 115.3

• Average Social Security Benefits: $2,045

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• State Sales Tax: 7%

• State Tax on Social Security Benefits: Yes

• Median Property Tax Rate: 1.40%

• Median Home Value: $462,130

• Average Annual Healthcare Spending: $8,121

• Cost of Living Index: 110.7

• Average Social Security Benefits: $2,018

• State Sales Tax: 4.5%

• State Tax on Social Security Benefits: No

• Median Property Tax Rate: 0.32%

• Median Home Value: $993,855

• Average Annual Healthcare Spending: $9,282

• Cost of Living Index: 180.3

• Average Social Security Benefits: $1,942