Nơi Người Mỹ về hưu thực sự sinh sống: Phân tích lợi ích - chi phí của 11 bang có tỷ lệ nghỉ hưu cao nhất vào năm 2025

Across the United States, eleven states have distinguished themselves as retirement hotspots, each boasting a population where at least 20% are age 65 and older. These states tell a fascinating story about what draws America’s older citizens: some offer natural landscapes and coastal beauty, while others provide genuine affordability. But the critical question for prospective retirees remains: what’s the actual financial burden of retiring in these destinations?

To answer this, GOBankingRates conducted a comprehensive analysis examining household median income, cost-of-living metrics, average Social Security benefits for singles and couples, and regional economic data sourced from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The resulting findings reveal a striking range — from budget-friendly destinations to surprisingly expensive alternatives.

The Retirement Geography: Understanding the Cost-of-Living Index

Before diving into individual states, it’s essential to understand the measurement framework. MERIC’s cost-of-living index uses 100 as the national baseline. States scoring above 100 exceed the average cost of living in Colorado and other national reference points, while those below 100 offer savings compared to that average cost of living in Colorado. This distinction proves crucial when evaluating retirement feasibility.

Premium Retirement Destinations: When Natural Beauty Commands a Price

Hawaii stands as the undisputed leader in retirement costs. With 21.5% of its population aged 65 and older, this island paradise carries an index of 182.3 — nearly double the national average. A single retiree faces monthly expenses of $6,782 after Social Security benefits, while couples need $5,828 monthly. The tradeoff: unparalleled Pacific scenery and year-round warmth.

Maine and Vermont follow as the Northeast’s premium retirement zones. Maine, with 23.5% of residents age 65+, shows a cost-of-living index of 113.4. Single retirees spend approximately $3,460 monthly after Social Security, with couples managing at $2,505. Vermont comes slightly higher at 113.7 (index), demanding $3,474 for singles and $2,520 for couples. Both states attract retirees with New England charm, though housing costs notably exceed national averages.

New Hampshire and Delaware occupy a middle tier of premium pricing. New Hampshire’s index of 110.1 reflects inconsistent costs — groceries run cheap while utilities spike. Delaware, positioned 17th nationally in overall cost of living (103.5 index), charges $2,983 for singles and $2,028 for couples monthly, a reasonable premium for Atlantic coastal living.

The Value Proposition: Budget-Friendly Retirement States

West Virginia emerges as the affordability champion among high-retirement states. With 21.9% of its population retired, the state maintains a 88.6 cost-of-living index. Single retirees spend just $2,264 monthly after benefits, while couples manage on $1,309. This represents the lowest cost structure among all eleven states.

New Mexico and Wyoming follow as secondary value destinations. New Mexico’s 94.2 index means retirees spend $2,534 (singles) or $1,579 (couples) monthly — everything costs less than the national average except healthcare. Wyoming, with exactly 20% of its population age 65+, charges roughly $2,669 for singles and $1,714 for couples, making it another genuinely affordable option.

The Moderate-Cost Middle Ground

Pennsylvania, Montana, and Florida represent the pragmatic choice for cost-conscious retirees seeking balance.

Pennsylvania ranks 25th nationally with a 97.5 index. Single retirees spend $2,693 monthly after Social Security, couples $1,738. The state offers cheap groceries, healthcare, and housing — offsetting higher utility and transportation costs.

Montana provides similar value at 4% below the national average cost-of-living baseline. Monthly costs run $2,640 (singles) and $1,685 (couples). The tradeoff: while housing and utilities stay remarkably low, grocery and healthcare costs run higher than most states.

Florida, the traditional retirement haven, maintains a balanced 102 index. With 21.8% of residents age 65+, the Sunshine State charges $2,910 (singles) and $1,955 (couples) monthly. Its subtropical climate and beaches justify the modest premium over the average cost of living in Colorado and other reference points.

The Regional Pattern: Why Geography Matters

These eleven states cluster into distinct geographic and economic patterns. Northeastern states generally carry higher price tags but offer established infrastructure and cultural amenities. Southern states like West Virginia and Florida provide affordability with different lifestyle tradeoffs. Mountain and prairie states (Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico) feature low housing costs but variable other expenses.

The data reveals that retirement location choices involve more than simple affordability calculations. Retirees navigate tradeoffs between climate, natural beauty, healthcare quality, and proximity to family. West Virginia might cost half what Hawaii costs, but those destinations attract different retirement profiles entirely.

Making the Decision: What Matters Most

For a single retiree relying primarily on Social Security, the difference between West Virginia ($2,264) and Hawaii ($6,782) represents a $4,518 monthly gap — $54,216 annually. For couples, the spread runs even more dramatic. These figures illuminate why location strategy fundamentally shapes retirement security.

The emerging pattern suggests retirees essentially choose between three categories: premium coastal and island states where lifestyle justifies high costs; moderate-cost regions offering reasonable living expenses with decent amenities; and bargain destinations where Social Security stretches considerably further. Understanding where each state falls within this spectrum helps prospective retirees align their financial resources with their lifestyle priorities.

Whether prioritizing natural beauty, affordability, or balanced compromise, these eleven states represent America’s primary retirement destinations — each offering distinct financial implications for those planning their golden years.