The Best 6 States To Retire Comfortably With $1 Million

If you have $1 million saved for your retirement, you're in better financial shape than many. But depending on where you retire, that million might not last very long.

That's why choosing a retirement-friendly city is one of the ways to avoid wasting your retirement savings . Certain states will allow you to get the absolute most out of your $1 million.

We ranked the top six states here.

1. Mississippi

World Population Review ranked Mississippi as the state with the lowest cost of living for 2024.

A million dollars here will likely allow you to retire comfortably for most, if not all, of your retired years. There are plenty of things for retirees to enjoy, as well, such as golf and sandy beaches.

However, the state has its drawbacks. According to the United States Census Bureau, only about 17% of Mississippi’s population is 65 or older, and nearly 20% of people live in poverty.

Some areas in the state have higher and lower percentages, so choosing the right city also makes a difference.

2. Kansas

Kansas is another affordable state and is a good option if you want to live in the Midwest. Housing costs are a major factor in the state’s appeal for retirees, ranking well below the national average.

Kansas is also tax-friendly for retirees. As of January 1, 2024, Kansas eliminated the state tax on Social Security benefits, allowing retirees to keep more of their retirement income.

3. Texas

Texas is much more tax-friendly for seniors than Kansas. There's no tax on Social Security benefits, and the state doesn't charge income, estate, or inheritance taxes. Seniors 65 and older can also claim an exemption for local property taxes.

While tax breaks might account for much of the population increase, other affordability factors appeal to new residents.

Texas saw the greatest population growth of any state in the country in 2023. Nonetheless, housing costs remain below the national average in many areas.

Check Out: 8 genius hacks every American homeowner should know

4. South Carolina

South Carolina also boasts housing costs below the national average. While groceries are slightly higher than in many other states, the total cost of living remains below the national average.

Affordable living, moderate winters, and desirable beaches make South Carolina a top choice for seniors with $1 million in savings.

You might decide to use some of the money saved on living expenses to enjoy the state's attractions.

5. North Carolina

Residents of North Carolina enjoy mild weather. This state might be a great option if you don’t want to live somewhere as hot as Florida but don’t enjoy northern winters.

The cost of living is also below the national average, allowing your savings to last longer.

North Carolina taxes pensions and retirement account withdrawals, but there's no tax on Social Security benefits.

6. Florida

Florida is a popular state for retirees for its warm weather and large senior population. If you're looking to make new friends, you’ll find many other retirees in the Sunshine State.

Florida is also very tax-friendly. There's no tax on Social Security benefits, pensions, or 401 (k) income.

In the event you decide to work during retirement, you’ll also enjoy no income tax in Florida. This is a major bonus for retirees looking for ways to supplement Social Security .

Bottom line

One million dollars might not go as far as you’d think. The cost of living where you choose to retire will impact how long you can comfortably sustain yourself.

Experts recommend you have 80% of your pre-retirement income to live on per year, although that percentage can vary depending on factors, including where you live.

If you want to see if you can retire early , you’ll need to factor those extra years of retirement into your savings.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).