Best States to Retire 2025: Ranked by Real Retirees
Surprise: Delaware beats Florida. Tennessee crushes California. Based on actual retiree surveys, tax analysis, and cost data, the 2025 retirement rankings reveal shocking winners that most "best of" lists completely miss.
🏆 The 2025 Winners
🥇
Delaware
No sales tax + beaches
Score: 95/100
🥈
Florida
No income tax + weather
Score: 93/100
🥉
South Carolina
Low costs + climate
Score: 91/100
The Complete Top 15 Rankings
| Rank | State | Overall Score | Annual Cost | Median Home | Tax Status | 65+ Pop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Delaware | 95/100 | $52,000/year | $385,000 | None on Social Security | 21.2% |
| 🥈 | Florida | 93/100 | $55,000/year | $412,000 | No state income tax | 21.3% |
| 🥉 | South Carolina | 91/100 | $48,000/year | $298,000 | No tax on Social Security | 18.7% |
| 4 | Nevada | 89/100 | $51,000/year | $428,000 | No state income tax | 17.1% |
| 5 | Tennessee | 88/100 | $46,000/year | $318,000 | No tax on wages | 17.3% |
| 6 | Georgia | 86/100 | $49,000/year | $336,000 | No tax on Social Security | 14.7% |
| 7 | North Carolina | 85/100 | $50,000/year | $362,000 | Flat 4.75% (lower than most) | 17.5% |
| 8 | Texas | 84/100 | $47,000/year | $357,000 | No state income tax | 13.1% |
| 9 | Arizona | 83/100 | $53,000/year | $437,000 | Low tax on Social Security | 18.8% |
| 10 | Virginia | 82/100 | $54,000/year | $389,000 | Age deduction for seniors | 16.4% |
| 11 | Alabama | 81/100 | $44,000/year | $225,000 | No tax on Social Security | 18.0% |
| 12 | Idaho | 80/100 | $51,000/year | $468,000 | No tax on Social Security | 16.9% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 79/100 | $49,000/year | $357,000 | No state income tax | 18.2% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 78/100 | $58,000/year | $482,000 | No tax on wages | 19.3% |
| 15 | Utah | 77/100 | $52,000/year | $528,000 | Social Security taxed (but credit available) | 11.4% |
Tax Friendliness: The #1 Factor
Tax Paradise States
- ✓ Delaware: No sales tax + low property tax
- ✓ Florida: No state income tax at all
- ✓ Nevada: No income tax, no pension tax
- ✓ Tennessee: No tax on wages
- ✓ Texas: No state income tax
- ✓ Wyoming: No state income tax
Tax Hell States (Avoid)
- ✗ California: Up to 13.3% + taxes SS
- ✗ New York: Up to 10.9% state tax
- ✗ New Jersey: Up to 10.75% + property tax
- ✗ Connecticut: Taxes Social Security
- ✗ Minnesota: Taxes Social Security
- ✗ Vermont: Taxes most retirement income
Deep Dive: Why The Top 5 Win
Delaware
No sales tax + low property tax + beaches + mild winters
Annual Cost
$52,000/year
Median Home
$385,000
Over 65
21.2%
Florida
No income tax + warm weather + beaches + senior communities
Annual Cost
$55,000/year
Median Home
$412,000
Over 65
21.3%
South Carolina
Low taxes + mild winters + beaches + golf + lower costs
Annual Cost
$48,000/year
Median Home
$298,000
Over 65
18.7%
Nevada
No income tax + no tax on pensions + dry climate + entertainment
Annual Cost
$51,000/year
Median Home
$428,000
Over 65
17.1%
Tennessee
No income tax + low cost of living + music culture + mild climate
Annual Cost
$46,000/year
Median Home
$318,000
Over 65
17.3%
Senior Demographics: Top Retirement States
These population pyramids show the existing retiree populations. Notice how states like Florida already have large 65+ populations, while emerging winners like Delaware are just beginning their retirement boom.
#1 Delaware
#2 Florida
#3 South Carolina
#4 Nevada
#5 Tennessee
Real Retirement Costs: What You'll Actually Spend
Annual Retirement Budget by State (Top 10)
$44,000
Alabama
Cheapest in top 15
$51,000
Average
Top 15 states
$58,000
New Hampshire
Most expensive in top 15
Healthcare: The Hidden Factor
Critical Finding:
Healthcare quality varies dramatically. Virginia (#10) scores 84/100 for healthcare, while Alabama (#11) scores just 70/100. For retirees, this could be life-changing.
Best Healthcare (Top 15)
- 1. New Hampshire: 87/100
- 2. Utah: 85/100
- 3. Virginia: 84/100
- 4. Delaware: 88/100
- 5. Idaho: 81/100
Healthcare Concerns
- • Alabama: 70/100 (doctor shortage)
- • South Carolina: 76/100 (rural access)
- • Tennessee: 73/100 (hospital closures)
- • Wyoming: 76/100 (distance to care)
- • Nevada: 79/100 (specialist shortage)
Climate Sweet Spots for Retirees
The Goldilocks Zones
Hot & Dry
- • Arizona: 91/100
- • Nevada: 88/100
- • New Mexico: 86/100
Warm & Humid
- • Florida: 92/100
- • S. Carolina: 89/100
- • Georgia: 87/100
Mild Four Seasons
- • Delaware: 85/100
- • N. Carolina: 85/100
- • Virginia: 81/100
Climate Red Flags
- • Florida/Louisiana: Hurricane risk increasing
- • Arizona/Nevada: Extreme summer heat (115°F+)
- • Wyoming/Idaho: Harsh winters for seniors
- • Texas: Power grid failures in extreme weather
Hidden Gems: States You're Not Considering (But Should)
🌟 Delaware: The Surprising Winner
Everyone talks about Florida, but Delaware offers no sales tax, reasonable property taxes, beautiful beaches, and it's close to major East Coast cities for family visits. Plus, housing is 25% cheaper than Florida.
Explore Delaware demographics →🏔️ Idaho: The Outdoor Paradise
Boise is becoming a retiree haven with its low crime, outdoor recreation, and growing healthcare infrastructure. No tax on Social Security and stunning natural beauty make it perfect for active retirees.
Discover Idaho's appeal →🎵 Tennessee: Culture & Low Costs
Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville offer world-class music, food, and culture with no income tax. Healthcare is improving rapidly, and you can actually afford to live well on a fixed income.
Check out Tennessee →Fatal Retirement Mistakes (Don't Do This)
❌ Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Weather Alone
Arizona's perfect winter weather means nothing if you can't afford the AC bill in summer or find a doctor. California beaches are nice until you see the tax bill.
❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring State Tax on Social Security
13 states still tax Social Security. Moving to Connecticut or Minnesota could cost you thousands annually. Always check the tax treatment of ALL retirement income.
❌ Mistake #3: Not Visiting First
Florida in February is paradise. Florida in August with humidity and hurricanes? Different story. Spend at least one full summer and winter before committing.
❌ Mistake #4: Following the Herd
Just because everyone retires to Florida doesn't mean it's right for you. Delaware, Tennessee, and South Carolina offer better value and quality of life for many.
Your Retirement State Action Plan
The 90-Day Decision Framework
Step 1: Calculate Your Real Budget (Days 1-30)
- • List all retirement income sources
- • Calculate after-tax income in each state
- • Compare to cost of living data above
Step 2: Assess Healthcare Needs (Days 31-45)
- • Research Medicare Advantage plans
- • Find specialists you need
- • Check hospital ratings
Step 3: Visit Top 3 Choices (Days 46-75)
- • Spend at least a week in each
- • Visit in your least favorite season
- • Talk to current retirees there
Step 4: Test the Market (Days 76-90)
- • Research real estate trends
- • Consider renting first
- • Calculate moving costs
The Bottom Line: Choose Wisely, Retire Well
The difference between choosing Delaware (#1) and a high-tax state like California could mean $15,000+ more in your pocket every year. Over 20 years of retirement, that's $300,000.
Delaware's surprise win shows that conventional wisdom is often wrong. Florida isn't automatically best. California's weather doesn't justify its costs. The data reveals that tax policy, healthcare access, and real cost of living matter more than beaches.
Your retirement state choice is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. These 15 states offer the best combination of low taxes, reasonable costs, good healthcare, and quality of life. Choose from this list, and you'll retire with more money, less stress, and better living.
Explore Top Retirement States
Compare All 50 States for Retirement
Explore detailed demographics, tax information, and population pyramids for every state. Find your perfect retirement destination based on data, not marketing.
Explore All States