Affordability is probably retired people's main consideration when deciding where to spend their later years — whether to stay put or relocate. In a new study, Bankrate analyzed several data points in each state to rank the best and worst ones for retirement. Researchers gave the heaviest weighting to affordability to reflect the challenges many Americans face with their retirement savings and the rising cost of living across the country. These are the broad categories on which they based the ranking:
  • Affordability, 40% of the ranking
  • Overall well-being, 25%
  • Cost and quality of health care, 20%
  • Weather, 10%
  • Crime, 5%
The analysis showed that low scores for affordability was the biggest factor pushing a dozen states to the bottom of the ranking, with only two landing in the midrange for affordability. Poor weather also weighed on several bottom dwellers. See the accompanying gallery for Bankrate's list of the 12 worst states for retirement in 2024. (Credit: Adobe Stock)    
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