Top 10 Best and Worst States for Retirement in 2026

As retirees plan for their future, choosing the right state can significantly impact their quality of life. A recent WalletHub study evaluated all 50 states to identify the best and worst states for retirement in 2026. This analysis considered affordability, quality of life, and healthcare, ranking states based on various metrics.

Top 10 Best States for Retirement in 2026

Wyoming and Florida emerged as the top two states for retirement, offering compelling benefits for seniors. Here’s a closer look at the best states for retirees:

• 1. Wyoming – Ranked first in affordability and sixth in quality of life, Wyoming provides a solid environment for retirees.
• 2. Florida – Known for its beaches and sunny weather, Florida ranked second overall, excelling in quality of life.
• 3. South Dakota – With quality healthcare and a lower rate of social isolation, South Dakota ranked third.
• 4. Colorado – Offering excellent healthcare, Colorado is the fourth-best state for retirees despite moderate rankings in affordability.
• 5. Minnesota – Minnesota stands out with the highest healthcare ranking and good quality of life.
• 6. Alaska – Although not typically seen as a retirement haven, Alaska ranks well for affordability and healthcare.
• 7. Delaware – With favorable tax conditions, Delaware is very retiree-friendly, ranking high in affordability.
• 8. Pennsylvania – Offering scenic beauty and vibrant cities, Pennsylvania ranks well in quality of life.
• 9. New Hampshire – Notable for its low crime rates, New Hampshire scores high in quality of life factors.
• 10. Iowa – Iowa rounds out the top ten, balancing affordability and quality of life effectively.

Top 10 Worst States for Retirement in 2026

On the opposite end of the spectrum, several states fell short in providing a conducive environment for retirement. The following are the worst states for retirees:

• 50. Kentucky – Ranked at the bottom, Kentucky performed poorly across all categories, particularly in healthcare.
• 49. Oklahoma – Despite low living costs, high rankings in quality of life and healthcare hold Oklahoma back.
• 48. Mississippi – Low performance in quality of life and healthcare contributed to Mississippi’s poor standing.
• 47. West Virginia – While affordable, West Virginia struggles with healthcare and quality of life metrics.
• 46. Hawaii – Known for beauty, Hawaii is unaffordable and challenging for retirees due to high living costs.
• 45. New York – The Empire State, despite its attractions, is the least affordable state for retirees.
• 44. Arkansas – Arkansas ranks poorly in healthcare and quality of life, despite affordability.
• 43. Washington – High living costs and crime rates detract from Washington’s otherwise decent healthcare quality.
• 42. Rhode Island – Limited in affordability and quality of life, Rhode Island does not offer an ideal retirement setting.
• 41. New Mexico – Despite its culture, New Mexico ranks low in affordability and experiences high crime rates.

Conclusion

When considering retirement, it’s crucial to evaluate the metrics that matter most. States like Wyoming and Florida stand out for their quality of life and affordability, while places like Kentucky and Oklahoma highlight the challenges retirees may face. For a smooth and fulfilling retirement, careful selection based on personal preferences and needs is essential.