Florida doesn’t even crack the top 5 in new list of most ‘retirement-friendly’ states — where the living is truly easy
A new study by Polaris Home Care ranks the most retirement-friendly U.S. states for 2026, challenging traditional assumptions. Idaho tops the list with a perfect score of 100, citing affordability, low crime, and healthcare costs of $8,148 per person. Arizona (90.67) and North Dakota (90.48) follow. Florida, a classic retirement destination, ranks only seventh (83.77) due to factors beyond its lack of state income tax. The study evaluates healthcare costs, housing, property taxes, utilities, food, crime, and earnings. Alaska is the least friendly state (41.44), with high living costs and crime. Texas, despite no state income tax, ranks third-worst due to high property taxes and crime. The analysis underscores that retirement affordability depends on a broad range of expenses, not just climate or tax policy.
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Florida doesn’t even crack the top 5 in new list of most ‘retirement-friendly’ states — where the living is truly easy
A new study by Polaris Home Care ranks the most retirement-friendly U.S. states for 2026, challenging traditional assumptions. Idaho tops the list with a perfect score of 100, citing affordability, low crime, and healthcare costs of $8,148 per person. Arizona (90.67) and North Dakota (90.48) follow. Florida, a classic retirement destination, ranks only seventh (83.77) due to factors beyond its lack of state income tax. The study evaluates healthcare costs, housing, property taxes, utilities, food, crime, and earnings. Alaska is the least friendly state (41.44), with high living costs and crime. Texas, despite no state income tax, ranks third-worst due to high property taxes and crime. The analysis underscores that retirement affordability depends on a broad range of expenses, not just climate or tax policy.