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Retirement Cost of Living Calculator by State

Moving can stretch retirement savings a long way. Compare what the same lifestyle costs in any two states, based on government price-level data for every state.

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Same lifestyle in Tennessee costs about$55,140/yr8% less than Illinois
You could save each year
$4,860
Illinois price level
100.0 (U.S. average = 100)
Tennessee price level
91.9
Years of spending your savings cover there
14.5 years (before growth and Social Security)

Lowest cost states

  1. Arkansas 86.9
  2. Mississippi 87.0
  3. Iowa 87.8
  4. Oklahoma 87.8
  5. Louisiana 88.2

Highest cost states

  1. California 110.7
  2. Hawaii 110.0
  3. District of Columbia 109.9
  4. New Jersey 108.8
  5. New York 107.9

Statewide averages from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024 Regional Price Parities). Costs vary a lot between cities and rural areas, and housing drives most of the difference. Also compare state income tax, property tax, and whether the state taxes Social Security or retirement income.

Estimates only, not financial, tax, or investment advice.

Where the numbers come from

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: how prices in each state compare with the national average (100). The 2024 figures range from about 87 in the least expensive states to about 111 in the most expensive.

Look beyond prices

  • State income tax, and whether Social Security, pensions, and IRA withdrawals are taxed.
  • Property taxes and homeowners insurance, which vary widely even between neighboring states.
  • Distance to family, doctors, and hospitals that take your Medicare plan.
  • Climate and hurricane, flood, or wildfire risk, which affect insurance costs.

Common questions

What is the cheapest state to retire in?

By overall price level in 2024 government data, Arkansas, Mississippi, Iowa, and Oklahoma have the lowest costs. Taxes, health care access, and family also matter.

What is the most expensive state?

California, Hawaii, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey have the highest overall price levels in 2024 government data.

Official 2026 figures from: IRS: 2026 401(k) and IRA limits (IR-2025-111) · IRS: Catch-up contributions · IRS: Required minimum distributions · IRS: Publication 590-B (Uniform Lifetime Table) · IRS: Rev. Proc. 2025-19 (2026 HSA limits) · SSA: 2026 COLA fact sheet · CMS: 2026 Medicare premiums and deductibles · SSA: Cost-of-living adjustment history · BEA: Regional Price Parities by state (2024 data)