A comfortable retirement depends on more than good weather. Stability and access often matter more than the view.
As Tim Schmidt, founder of Gold IRA Custodians, puts it, “Finding the right retirement location involves balancing multiple factors that impact both quality of life and financial security.”
To make that balancing act easier, Gold IRA Custodians analyzed all 50 U.S. states across six key categories: cost of living, median home prices, access to healthcare and nursing homes, crime rates, and tax benefits. Each state received a “Retirement Score” based on its performance across these factors, with higher scores indicating more retirement-friendly conditions.
Note: The “crime rate” figures reflect each state’s overall crime index — higher numbers signal higher reported crime per capita.
If you’re narrowing down your shortlist, these 10 states may be worth crossing off.
10. Rhode Island (Retirement Score: 31)
Rhode Island’s charm can’t mask the high cost of retiring here. With a median home price of $518,000 and a cost-of-living score of 112.2, expenses pile up quickly. The state also has limited healthcare options (just 11 facilities and 74 nursing homes), which isn’t ideal for retirees who prioritize access. While its low crime rate (168) is a plus, affordability remains the biggest hurdle.
9. Utah (Retirement Score: 30)
Utah may have scenic parks and an active lifestyle, but retirees will face steep housing costs ($620,000 median price) and a cost of living above the national average (104.9). Healthcare access is modest (54 facilities, 98 nursing homes), and while crime is lower (232), the financial pressures make it less practical for those on fixed incomes.
8. Oregon (Retirement Score: 30)
Between its rising housing market ($522,000 median) and high living expenses (112 cost-of-living score), Oregon is a tough sell for budget-conscious retirees. The state offers decent healthcare infrastructure (61 facilities, 128 nursing homes), but with a crime rate of 326, it doesn’t quite balance the books for seniors looking to downsize comfortably.
7. Montana (Retirement Score: 29)
Montana’s wide-open spaces come with trade-offs, particularly in affordability and access. The median home price sits at $539,000, and healthcare is limited (59 facilities, 60 nursing homes). Add in a higher-than-average crime rate (442) and modest cost-of-living score (94.9), and the Big Sky State starts to feel less ideal for aging in place.
6. Alaska (Retirement Score: 29)
Alaska’s rugged beauty comes at a steep cost… literally. With a 123.8 cost-of-living score and few healthcare options (20 facilities, 20 nursing homes), retirees may struggle with both expenses and accessibility. The state’s high crime rate (726) doesn’t help its case either, making it one of the least practical and least peaceful places to retire.
5. Maryland (Retirement Score: 28)
Despite its East Coast convenience, Maryland’s numbers don’t work in retirees’ favor. The cost of living (115.3) and median home price ($513,000) are steep, and the crime rate (426) sits above average. Healthcare access is fair (47 facilities, 222 nursing homes), but the overall financial picture makes Maryland more stressful than serene for those looking to live off savings.
4. Colorado (Retirement Score: 27)
Colorado’s mountains may lure adventure-loving retirees, but the cost of staying there is another story. With homes averaging $662,000 and a cost-of-living score of 102, affordability is out of reach for many. While healthcare is decent (92 facilities, 211 nursing homes), the crime rate (474) and tax pressures push it down the list.
3. New Mexico (Retirement Score: 26)
On paper, New Mexico’s affordability looks appealing, with a 93.3 cost-of-living score and $396,000 median home price. But the nation’s highest crime rate (749) and limited healthcare access (43 facilities, 68 nursing homes) quickly dampen the appeal. Retirees here might save on housing but sacrifice peace of mind.
2. Massachusetts (Retirement Score: 23)
Massachusetts ranks second-worst due to sky-high living expenses (145.9) and steep home prices ($646,000). While the state offers strong healthcare (73 facilities, 345 nursing homes), the financial pressure is intense, especially when paired with a 314 crime rate and heavy taxes. For most retirees, it’s simply too costly to enjoy comfortably.
1. Hawaii (Retirement Score: 4)
Dreaming of island sunsets? You’ll need deep pockets. Hawaii’s 186.9 cost-of-living score and staggering $947,000 median home price make it the least retirement-friendly state in America. Limited healthcare (23 facilities, 42 nursing homes) compounds the challenge, leaving paradise more picturesque than practical for most retirees.
“Hawaii illustrates the perfect example of how paradise comes at a price,” says Schmidt. “While many dream of retiring to its beautiful beaches, the financial reality makes it impractical for anyone without substantial savings.”
If you’re exploring your options beyond these pricier picks, you might also like this recent breakdown of the best states to live in and this data-backed look at the best and worst cities to retire in the U.S. – both offer a closer look at where life (and retirement) can feel a little easier.