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Best places to retire

37 US cities people are moving to, ranked on what a retirement budget feels most: home prices, everyday costs, state taxes on retirees, winters, storm risk and flights back to family. On a tight budget? See the cheapest places to retire.

By Sol Lakein. Updated November 2026.

The top 3

Tap a city for monthly costs, weather, flights and trade-offs.

  1. Tampa

    Score 78 of 100
    Median home
    $385,398
    Prices
    1% pricier
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    • Homes list 8% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Beach or lake access

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 91°F.

    Cost of living in Tampa
    The numbers behind it
    • Homes list 8% below the US median. $385,398 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From TPA to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    • Beach or lake access. Gulf Coast beaches (Slower Sundays city profile)
    • Hot summers. July highs average 91°F. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,118 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  2. Lakeland

    Score 75 of 100
    Median home
    $329,000
    Prices
    3% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    • Prices 3% below the US average
    • Homes list 22% below the US median
    • People are moving in

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 92.1°F.

    Cost of living in Lakeland
    The numbers behind it
    • Prices 3% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 97.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 22% below the US median. $329,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • People are moving in. 18,752 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    • Hot summers. July highs average 92.1°F. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,808 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  3. Chattanooga

    Score 75 of 100
    Median home
    $395,000
    Prices
    9% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    • Prices 9% below the US average
    • Homes list 6% below the US median
    • Mild winters

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.5°F.

    Cost of living in Chattanooga
    The numbers behind it
    • Prices 9% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.5 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 6% below the US median. $395,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 32.4°F with 3.6 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Hot summers. July highs average 90.5°F. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)

    State taxes: income None, property 0.46% effective, sales 9.61% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,171 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

Ranks 4 to 25

  1. Downtown Orlando skyline across Lake Eola at sunrise, Orlando
    4

    Orlando

    Score 75 of 100
    Median home
    $410,000
    Prices
    1% pricier
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offPrices 1% above the US average. Everyday prices index at 101.4 against a US average of 100. Still well below New York's 112.6.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 2% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • A real job market
    • Homes list 2% below the US median. $410,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From MCO to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed November 3, 2026)
    • A real job market. Central Florida Research Park next to the University of Central Florida; Walt Disney World, AdventHealth, Lockheed Martin (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in Orlando

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,253 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  2. Main Street Bridge and the downtown Jacksonville skyline at sunset, Jacksonville
    5

    Jacksonville

    Score 74 of 100
    Median home
    $379,000
    Prices
    1% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 91.9°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 10% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • People are moving in
    • Homes list 10% below the US median. $379,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From JAX to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed November 3, 2026)
    • People are moving in. 17,360 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    Cost of living in Jacksonville

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,083 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  3. Fort Myers Beach marina and waterfront condos, Fort Myers
    6

    Fort Myers

    Score 74 of 100
    Median home
    $379,900
    Prices
    2% pricier
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offPrices 2% above the US average. Everyday prices index at 102.3 against a US average of 100. Still well below New York's 112.6.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 9% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • People are moving in
    • Homes list 9% below the US median. $379,900 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From RSW to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, 2026-09-02 (document updated 9/2/2026))
    • People are moving in. 8,603 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    Cost of living in Fort Myers

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,088 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  4. Aerial view of downtown Spartanburg, Spartanburg
    7

    Spartanburg

    Score 73 of 100
    Median home
    $304,950
    Prices
    9% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.1°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 9% below the US average
    • Homes list 27% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 9% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 27% below the US median. $304,950 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 31.5°F with 0.8 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Spartanburg

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,676 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  5. Bridge over the river at Riverfront Park in Columbia, Columbia
    8

    Columbia

    Score 72 of 100
    Median home
    $299,763
    Prices
    6% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 92.7°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 6% below the US average
    • Homes list 29% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 6% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 29% below the US median. $299,763 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 34.6°F with 1.2 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Columbia

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,647 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  6. Downtown Knoxville and World's Fair Park, Knoxville
    9

    Knoxville

    Score 69 of 100
    Median home
    $447,000
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHomes list 7% above the US median. $447,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Mild winters
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 30°F with 4.6 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From TYS to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Cost of living in Knoxville

    State taxes: income None, property 0.46% effective, sales 9.61% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,456 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  7. Downtown Greensboro at sunrise, Greensboro
    10

    Greensboro

    Score 68 of 100
    Median home
    $327,000
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 22% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 92.9 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 22% below the US median. $327,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From GSO to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, May 5, 2026)
    Cost of living in Greensboro

    State taxes: income 3.99%, property 0.64% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,797 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  8. Sarasota marina with docked boats and waterfront towers, Sarasota
    11

    Sarasota

    Score 68 of 100
    Median home
    $457,450
    Prices
    2% pricier
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offPrices 2% above the US average. Everyday prices index at 102.4 against a US average of 100. Still well below New York's 112.6.

    Why it ranks here
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • People are moving in
    • Beach or lake access
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From SRQ to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed November 3, 2026)
    • People are moving in. 14,471 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    • Beach or lake access. Siesta Beach on Siesta Key; Lido Key on the Gulf of Mexico (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in Sarasota

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,514 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  9. Pier over the beach and waves in Daytona Beach, Daytona Beach
    12

    Daytona Beach

    Score 67 of 100
    Median home
    $374,950
    Prices
    1% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.2°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 11% below the US median
    • People are moving in
    • A real job market
    • Homes list 11% below the US median. $374,950 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • People are moving in. 11,894 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    • A real job market. NASCAR headquarters; Daytona International Speedway (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in Daytona Beach

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,061 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  10. Drone view of Myrtle Beach with the pier and the SkyWheel, Myrtle Beach
    13

    Myrtle Beach

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $315,000
    Prices
    6% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 6% below the US average
    • Homes list 25% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 6% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 25% below the US median. $315,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From MYR to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed November 3, 2026)
    Cost of living in Myrtle Beach

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,731 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  11. Falls Park on the Reedy from above, Greenville
    14

    Greenville

    Score 66 of 100
    Median home
    $382,450
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.3°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 9% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.3 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 9% below the US median. $382,450 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 32.1°F with 3.9 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Greenville

    State taxes: income 5.21%, property 0.45% effective, sales 7.49% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,102 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  12. Tour boat on the San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio
    15

    San Antonio

    Score 65 of 100
    Median home
    $320,374
    Prices
    5% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 94.9°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 5% below the US average
    • Homes list 24% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 5% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 94.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 24% below the US median. $320,374 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 41°F with 0.2 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in San Antonio

    State taxes: income None, property 1.32% effective, sales 8.20% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,761 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  13. Melbourne Beach park on the Atlantic coast, Melbourne
    16

    Melbourne

    Score 65 of 100
    Median home
    $369,775
    Prices
    About the US average
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offNo nonstop flights to New York. Trips home mean a connection or a drive to a bigger airport.

    Why it ranks here
    • Homes list 12% below the US median
    • People are moving in
    • A real job market
    • Homes list 12% below the US median. $369,775 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • People are moving in. 9,403 more people moved here from other US metros than left, July 2024 to July 2025. (US Census Bureau, Vintage 2025)
    • A real job market. L3Harris Technologies corporate headquarters; Northrop Grumman, Leonardo DRS, Embraer (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in Melbourne

    State taxes: income None, property 0.80% effective, sales 6.98% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,032 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  14. Rocket Park, Huntsville, Huntsville
    17

    Huntsville

    Score 61 of 100
    Median home
    $364,900
    Prices
    7% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 91.5°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 7% below the US average
    • Homes list 13% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 7% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 93.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 13% below the US median. $364,900 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 33.1°F with 2.4 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Huntsville

    State taxes: income 5.00%, property 0.38% effective, sales 9.46% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,005 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  15. Downtown Indianapolis, Indianapolis
    18

    Indianapolis

    Score 60 of 100
    Median home
    $310,000
    Prices
    4% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offReal winters. January lows average 20.9°F with 25.5 inches of snow a year.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 4% below the US average
    • Homes list 26% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 4% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 95.7 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 26% below the US median. $310,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Step Into Life in the Indy Region: $7,500 in benefits
    Cost of living in Indianapolis

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,704 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  16. Houston skyline on a sunny day with green trees, Houston
    19

    Houston

    Score 59 of 100
    Median home
    $353,995
    Prices
    1% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 94.5°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 1% below the US average
    • Homes list 16% below the US median
    • Mild winters
    • Prices 1% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 98.6 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 16% below the US median. $353,995 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 43.7°F with 0.1 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    Cost of living in Houston

    State taxes: income None, property 1.32% effective, sales 8.20% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,945 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  17. Nashville skyline in the fall, Nashville
    20

    Nashville

    Score 59 of 100
    Median home
    $533,995
    Prices
    4% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHomes list 27% above the US median. $533,995 median listing against $419,250 nationally.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 4% below the US average
    • Mild winters
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 4% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 96.3 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 30.1°F with 4.7 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From BNA to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, October 2026)
    Cost of living in Nashville

    State taxes: income None, property 0.46% effective, sales 9.61% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,935 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  18. Looking toward downtown Tulsa, Tulsa
    21

    Tulsa

    Score 58 of 100
    Median home
    $329,500
    Prices
    11% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 93.6°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 11% below the US average
    • Homes list 21% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 11% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 89.2 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 21% below the US median. $329,500 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From TUL to LGA. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Tulsa Remote: $10,000 cash
    Cost of living in Tulsa

    State taxes: income 4.50%, property 0.76% effective, sales 9.06% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,811 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  19. The courthouse at sunset, Bloomington
    22

    Bloomington

    Score 58 of 100
    Median home
    $359,675
    Prices
    5% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed
    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 5% below the US average
    • Homes list 14% below the US median
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 5% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 95.1 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Homes list 14% below the US median. $359,675 median listing against $419,250 nationally. (Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From IND to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, August 31, 2026)
    Bloomington Remote Worker Program: $8,500 in benefits
    Cost of living in Bloomington

    State taxes: income 2.95%, property 0.74% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $1,977 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  20. Charlotte skyline from the west side, Charlotte
    23

    Charlotte

    Score 58 of 100
    Median home
    $424,950
    Prices
    3% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHot summers. July highs average 90.3°F.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 3% below the US average
    • Mild winters
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 3% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 97.3 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 31.8°F with 3.5 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From CLT to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, accessed October 14, 2026)
    Cost of living in Charlotte

    State taxes: income 3.99%, property 0.64% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,335 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  21. Fayetteville, Fayetteville (Northwest Arkansas)
    24

    Fayetteville (Northwest Arkansas)

    Score 56 of 100
    Median home
    $441,000
    Prices
    9% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHomes list 5% above the US median. $441,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 9% below the US average
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • University town
    • Prices 9% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 91.4 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From XNA to LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, July 2026)
    • University town. University of Arkansas (Slower Sundays city profile)
    Cost of living in Fayetteville

    State taxes: income 3.70%, property 0.50% effective, sales 9.46% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,423 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

  22. Raleigh skyline from the Boylan Bridge, Raleigh
    25

    Raleigh

    Score 56 of 100
    Median home
    $445,000
    Prices
    2% cheaper
    Social Security
    Not taxed

    Trade-offHomes list 6% above the US median. $445,000 median listing against $419,250 nationally.

    Why it ranks here
    • Prices 2% below the US average
    • Mild winters
    • Nonstop flights to New York
    • Prices 2% below the US average. Everyday prices, rent included, index at 98.2 against a US average of 100. (BEA regional price parities, 2024)
    • Mild winters. January lows average 31.8°F with 5.2 inches of snow a year. (NOAA 1991-2020 normals)
    • Nonstop flights to New York. From RDU to JFK, LGA, EWR. (Airport route page, October 13, 2026)
    Cost of living in Raleigh

    State taxes: income 3.99%, property 0.64% effective, sales 7.00% combined. Principal and interest on the median home: $2,445 a month.

    Homes: Realtor.com via FRED, September 2026. Prices: BEA, 2024. Taxes: Census ACS 2025, Tax Foundation 2026.

How we ranked them

Each city is scored against the others on this list on sourced measures, then weighted. Nothing about who lives in a place goes in, including age.
WeightMeasure
20%Lower home prices (median listing)
15%Lower everyday prices (BEA price level)
20%Tax-friendly state for retirees (our 4-tax score)
25%Milder winters (January low)
10%Lower storm, flood and wildfire losses (FEMA)
10%Nonstop flights to New York

A city with no figure on a measure gets half points on it. The state tax score comes from our tax-friendly states for retirees ranking. Health care access and pension tax rules are not scored. Weigh things differently? The quiz ranks every city on your own priorities.

Questions people ask

What is the best place to retire in the US?

On our ranking of 37 cities, Tampa, then Lakeland and Chattanooga. Tampa combines a median listed home of $385,398 (Realtor.com, September 2026) with no state tax on Social Security and a 0.80% effective property tax rate.

What is the best state to retire in for taxes?

See our tax-friendly states for retirees ranking, which scores every state on Social Security, income, property and sales tax.

Is Florida a good place to retire?

For taxes, yes: Florida has no income tax and does not tax Social Security. 8 Florida cities are on this list; the top-ranked is Tampa. Weigh hurricane and flood exposure before you buy: the storm and flood loss measure in this ranking comes from FEMA's National Risk Index.

Which cities are left off?

Cities whose metro lost residents to the rest of the US from 2021 to 2025 (Census Vintage 2025), and cities whose median listed home is below $279,272, 75% of the median across our cities. That leaves 17 cities off this list; all of them are on the cheapest places to retire page.

Do you rank places by the age of residents?

No. The ranking uses costs, taxes, weather, hazard losses and flights only. Nothing about who lives in a place, including age, goes in.

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