Wyoming barely edged out Florida for the top spot — here's WalletHub's full 2026 best-states-to-retire breakdown, state by state.

Updated: July 2026 | Source: WalletHub 2026 Best & Worst States to Retire Study

The 10 Best States to Retire In (2026 Ranking)

WalletHub compared all 50 states across affordability, healthcare, and quality of life using 46 metrics. Here's who came out on top — and why.

Every region of the country landed a state in the top 10 this year. The common thread among the winners: low taxes and a low cost of living that make retirement savings stretch further.

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#1

Wyoming — best overall

#1

Best quality of life: Florida

#1

Best healthcare: Minnesota

46

Metrics used across 3 categories

Worth noting: Wyoming beat Florida by just 0.01 points on WalletHub's 100-point scale — essentially a tie for first. Four of the top five states (South Dakota, Colorado, Minnesota, and Wyoming) sit west of the Mississippi, a region not traditionally associated with retirement.

Top 10, Ranked #1 to #10

1

Wyoming

No. 1 in affordability, thanks to no estate or inheritance tax and one of the lowest costs for homemaker services in the country. Also posted the 5th-lowest violent crime rate nationwide.

Affordability #1Quality of Life #6Healthcare #33

2

Florida

The second-most shoreline of any state helped Florida claim the No. 1 spot for quality of life. Healthcare lags at 27th, but that wasn't enough to keep it off the podium.

Affordability #2Quality of Life #1Healthcare #27

3

South Dakota

Healthcare is the standout here at 4th nationwide, plus some of the lowest rates of senior social isolation and mental distress in the country.

Affordability #15Quality of Life #25Healthcare #4

4

Colorado

Middle-of-the-pack on affordability and quality of life, both at 19th — but a No. 3 healthcare ranking rounds out a solid, balanced profile.

Affordability #19Quality of Life #19Healthcare #3

5

Minnesota

Ranked the single best state in the country for retiree healthcare, plus a strong 7th-place quality-of-life score offsets a modest 33rd in affordability.

Affordability #33Quality of Life #7Healthcare #1

6

Alaska

Not the first place that comes to mind for retirement, but good affordability and healthcare scores carry it into the top 6. Quality of life is the weak spot at 34th.

Affordability — strongQuality of Life #34Healthcare — strong

7

Delaware

WalletHub's 2nd-best "taxpayer" ranking drives a 3rd-place affordability finish. Healthcare lands in the top 15, plus the 5th-highest share of residents 65 and older.

Affordability #3Healthcare — top 15

8

Pennsylvania

Two major metro areas and no shortage of scenic getaways help Pennsylvania round out the top 5 in quality of life, with healthcare at 13th.

Affordability #26Healthcare #13

9

New Hampshire

Highest share of workforce aged 65+ of any state, plus the 2nd-lowest property-crime rate nationwide. A well-rounded 8th in quality of life.

Affordability #20Quality of Life #8Healthcare #23

10

Iowa

Closes out the top 10 with solid, unspectacular numbers across the board — nothing to complain about, nothing that steals the spotlight either.

Affordability #17Quality of Life #11Healthcare #28

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Wyoming ranked the best state to retire in?

Wyoming topped WalletHub's affordability category thanks to no estate or inheritance tax and low costs for homemaker services, combined with strong safety scores and a low senior poverty rate.

Is Florida still a top retirement state in 2026?

Yes — Florida ranked 2nd overall and 1st for quality of life, trailing Wyoming by just 0.01 points on WalletHub's 100-point scale.

Which state has the best healthcare for retirees?

Minnesota ranked 1st in the healthcare category nationwide, according to WalletHub's 2026 study.

Bottom Line: Four of the top five states for retirement in 2026 sit west of the Mississippi — a region not traditionally thought of as retiree territory. The common thread across the top 10 isn't sunshine, it's a low tax burden and a cost of living that lets savings stretch further.

Worst States to RetireThe other side of the ranking — see who landed at the bottom Lowest Tax Burden StatesSee which states keep the most of your paycheck State RankingsMore state-by-state comparisons Loan CalculatorPlan your next move, wherever you land

StatewiseFinance's Take: Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska all share something veterans and military retirees should know: none of the three tax military retirement pay. Combined with Wyoming's No. 1 affordability score, that's a meaningful stacking effect for anyone retiring on a military or VA pension — not just a general "nice place to live" ranking.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Rankings and figures are based on third-party research (WalletHub 2026) and are subject to change. Verify current data directly with official sources before making financial decisions. Data verified against WalletHub's published 2026 methodology — see our Editorial Standards for how we research and verify every guide.