Overview
- WalletHub’s 2026 ranking places Wyoming first, Florida second and South Dakota third, with Colorado and Minnesota rounding out the top five.
- The analysis compares all 50 states across 46 measures grouped into affordability, quality of life and health care to gauge retirement friendliness.
- Wyoming’s lead reflects strong affordability and tax advantages, including no personal income tax and no estate or inheritance tax, plus low costs for homemaker services.
- A Wall Street Journal analysis cited in new coverage finds recent housing and living-cost spikes have made Florida unaffordable for many retirees earning $75,000 or less.
- Reporting points to Texas, North Carolina and Tennessee as compelling alternatives based on cost of living, Medicare performance and tax policy, with migration data showing many former Florida residents choosing North Carolina.