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Retirement in America has entered a complicated era. Rising healthcare costs, stubborn inflation, and a housing market that refuses to cool have made the traditional idea of “downsizing and relaxing” far harder to achieve. Many retirees are stretching Social Security checks further than ever, while worrying about hospital access, long wait times, and whether their communities are truly set up for aging well.

At the same time, states are aging at different speeds. Some have quietly invested in senior health services, community spaces, and safety programs. Others rely on reputation alone. To cut through the noise, Go Au Pair analyzed where retirees are most likely to enjoy stability, comfort, and peace of mind in 2026.

The study evaluated 25 metrics across five weighted categories: healthcare (30%), affordability and finances (22.5%), social life and amenities (22.5%), safety and security (15%), and environment (10%). Each metric was standardized on a 0–100 scale, where higher scores indicate better outcomes.

Rather than relying on a single factor, the study combined practical measures that shape everyday retirement. These included hospital ratings and wait times, Medicare coverage, senior physical and mental health, and suicide rates among adults 65+. Financial factors such as home values, cost of living, adult day healthcare costs, senior poverty rates, and average Social Security benefits were also considered. To reflect quality of life, the study looked at parks, golf courses, scenic byways, and community centers per capita, as well as social risks like living alone or lacking internet access. Safety indicators, including crime, scams, fatal crashes involving older drivers, and age discrimination complaints, rounded out the ranking.

Top 10 states to retire in 2026

1) Nebraska

Nebraska lands at No. 1 with a total score of 68.83, and it’s not hard to see why. On healthcare access, it’s one of the best performers in the country: the average hospital rating is 3.75 (No. 4) and the hospital wait time is just 108 minutes (No. 2). It also shines on senior wellbeing, with only 13.6% of adults 65+ reporting poor physical health (No. 3) and 12.1% reporting poor mental health (No. 2). Even its 65+ suicide rate (13.8 per 100K, No. 12) stays relatively mid-pack compared to many states.

Nebraska’s retirement appeal doesn’t stop at the doctor’s office. The finances are manageable, with an average home value of $260,028 (No. 14) and a cost of living index of 92.6 (No. 18), plus 7.8% of older adults below the poverty line (No. 14). And if you’re picturing retirees actually enjoying their days, the social-and-amenities numbers do the heavy lifting: it ranks No. 1 for parks per 10,000 people age 65+ (140.13) and sits No. 4 for community centers (3.95) and No. 4 for golf courses (2.72). Translation: it’s built for day-to-day living, not just “surviving retirement.”

2) Iowa

Iowa comes in second with a 67.29 total score, anchored by a strong affordability profile and steady healthcare access. Hospital ratings are more average at 3.30 (No. 26), but the real win is time: 110-minute hospital waits (No. 4) keep care within reach. Iowa also posts respectable senior health outcomes, with 15.3% reporting poor physical health (No. 13) and 13.5% reporting poor mental health (No. 4). Medicare coverage is strong at 97.5% (No. 8), which matters because “retirement planning” gets a lot less fun when coverage is shaky.

Financially, Iowa is quietly one of the easiest places to make retirement math work. The average home value is $216,891 (No. 7) and the cost of living index is 89.7 (No. 8), paired with a low 7% senior poverty rate (No. 5). One standout metric is support services: adult day healthcare costs just $1,496 per month (No. 3), which can be a big deal for families navigating part-time care. On the lifestyle side, Iowa ranks No. 2 for community centers (4.35), No. 2 for golf courses (3.06), and No. 6 for parks (42.39), which helps explain why it scores so well overall.

3) Delaware

Delaware takes third with a 63.27 score, and it’s a classic case of “the money side helps you forgive the inconveniences.” Healthcare quality and speed are weaker here: the average hospital rating is 2.99 (No. 47) and the hospital wait time is 192 minutes (No. 42), which is not exactly the retirement dream if you need regular appointments. On the plus side, Medicare coverage is high at 97.7% (No. 5), senior physical health is decent at 14.7% poor physical health (No. 9), and its 65+ suicide rate is 11.0 per 100K (No. 5), one of the better results in the study.

Where Delaware really earns its ranking is affordability of care and retirement income strength. Adult day healthcare costs are just $781 per month (No. 1), the best in the nation, and the average monthly Social Security benefit is $2,171 (No. 4). It also posts a very low 6.5% of older adults below the poverty line (No. 3). Housing isn’t cheap with an average home value of $383,515 (No. 30) and a cost of living index of 101.9 (No. 32), but the financial supports plus low-care costs can offset that for many retirees. Add in a high senior share (25.68% age 65+, No. 6) and relatively low living-alone rate (38.9%, No. 3), and you get a state that looks financially stable for older adults, even if the healthcare waiting room is a little too familiar.

4) South Dakota

South Dakota ranks fourth with a 63.13 total score and arguably the strongest “health profile” of the top group. It posts the highest average hospital rating in the study at 4.03 (No. 1) and a quick 112-minute wait time (No. 5). On wellbeing, it’s the standout: only 11.5% of adults 65+ report poor physical health (No. 1), and 12.8% report poor mental health (No. 3). The catch is a less favorable 65+ suicide rate of 17.1 per 100K (No. 24), which is a reminder that strong healthcare access doesn’t automatically solve deeper issues.

Financially, South Dakota stays fairly middle-of-the-road: $302,465 average home value (No. 20) and a 91.9 cost of living index (No. 13). The weak spot is that 9% of older adults live below the poverty line (No. 33) and the average Social Security benefit is $1,919 (No. 40), which is on the low end for a top-10 state. Still, the lifestyle infrastructure helps: community centers 3.97 (No. 3), parks 50.64 (No. 4), and golf courses 2.72 (No. 5). The state’s high placement likely comes from that “healthy + outdoors + accessible” package that makes everyday retirement feel easier.

5) Wisconsin

Wisconsin is fifth with a 62.27 score, delivering a fairly balanced retirement setup with a big outdoors advantage. Healthcare metrics sit solidly in the middle: 3.46 hospital rating (No. 18) and 132-minute waits (No. 17), with strong Medicare coverage at 97.4% (No. 9). Senior physical health is respectable with 14.8% poor physical health (No. 10), though mental health is less competitive at 16.1% poor mental health (No. 28). Its 65+ suicide rate is 15.1 per 100K (No. 13), not top-tier but not alarming compared to many states.

Wisconsin’s lifestyle score is doing a lot of work here, especially green space. It ranks No. 2 for parks per 10,000 seniors (61.01), which is a major quality-of-life booster for retirees who want low-cost ways to stay active. It’s also fairly manageable financially: $304,118 home value (No. 22), 97.7 cost of living (No. 27), and 7.8% senior poverty (No. 14), with an average Social Security benefit of $2,028 (No. 18). On safety, Wisconsin performs well on scams with 3.73 per 10,000 seniors (No. 4) and relatively low senior crime at 6.53 (No. 10). If retirement is “walkable days, less stress, fewer weird surprises,” Wisconsin makes a convincing case.

6) New Hampshire

New Hampshire lands at No. 6 with a 61.72 total score, driven by financial stability and safety, even though it’s not the cheapest place to settle. Healthcare access is decent, not dominant: 3.35 hospital rating (No. 23) and 166-minute waits (No. 31), with 96.4% Medicare coverage (No. 29). Physical health outcomes are strong with 14.2% poor physical health (No. 5), but mental health is weaker at 16.7% poor mental health (No. 38), and the 65+ suicide rate is 19.7 per 100K (No. 33), which drags the healthcare picture down.

The financial story is where New Hampshire shines. It has the lowest share of older adults below the poverty line at 6.1% (No. 1) and one of the highest Social Security retirement benefits at $2,184 (No. 3). The trade-off is cost: an average home value of $480,212 (No. 41) and a 111.4 cost of living index (No. 38). Lifestyle infrastructure is mixed: scenic byways are strong at 0.38 (No. 7), but community centers are sparse at 1.94 (No. 45), and parks sit at 15.23 (No. 35). The state’s high rank likely comes from retirees being financially steadier and safer day-to-day, even if it’s not overflowing with “things to do.”

7) Indiana

Indiana ranks seventh with a 60.09 score, and it looks like a “value state” for retirees who want predictable costs and reasonable access to care. It posts 121-minute hospital waits (No. 7), which is strong, and a 3.31 hospital rating (No. 25) that’s middle-of-the-pack. Medicare coverage is decent at 97% (No. 16). Senior health outcomes are weaker than the very top states, with 16.3% poor physical health (No. 23) and 16.8% poor mental health (No. 40), but not catastrophic.

Indiana’s financial profile helps keep it in the top ten. The average home value is $240,714 (No. 11) and the cost of living index is 91 (No. 11), plus 7.4% senior poverty (No. 8). Social and amenities are more modest: parks are 18.32 (No. 26) and scenic byways are 0.04 (No. 41), so it’s not exactly a “retire into postcard views” option. But it does offer enough community infrastructure (2.73 community centers, No. 19) and a stable safety picture (6.97 crimes per 10,000 seniors, No. 28; scams 4.89, No. 21) to make retirement feel straightforward.

8) Kansas

Kansas places eighth with a 59.69 score, mixing strong healthcare access with real affordability, but with one expensive red flag for retirees who may need support services. Kansas posts 3.66 hospital ratings (No. 6) and 122-minute waits (No. 8), which is excellent for access. It also performs well on senior physical health at 14.4% poor physical health (No. 7), while mental health is mid-range at 15.9% (No. 25). The challenge is its 65+ suicide rate of 17.5 per 100K (No. 27), which is not among the best.

Financially, Kansas is very retirement-friendly on the basics: $227,854 home value (No. 9) and a low 88.8 cost of living index (No. 5). But adult day healthcare costs are steep at $4,185 per month (No. 45), which can turn “affordable retirement” into “why is this bill yelling at me?” Socially it’s solid: 3.74 community centers (No. 5) and decent parks (25.29, No. 17) and scenic byways (0.14, No. 22). Kansas ranks high because everyday living is affordable and healthcare is accessible, even if care services can get pricey fast.

9) Idaho

Idaho sits at No. 9 with a 59.01 score, and its ranking looks driven by scenery and a generally decent healthcare profile, paired with some serious caution signs. Idaho posts a strong 3.64 hospital rating (No. 8) and moderate 144-minute waits (No. 23), with high Medicare coverage at 97.6% (No. 7). But the big concern is the 65+ suicide rate of 26.6 per 100K (No. 46), one of the worst in the study, which is hard to ignore when discussing retiree wellbeing.

It’s also not cheap. Idaho’s average home value is $456,464 (No. 39) and the cost of living index is 99.9 (No. 29), so retirees aren’t getting the “budget retirement” version of the Mountain West. However, Idaho delivers on lifestyle: scenic byways 0.60 (No. 4) and parks 33.66 (No. 11), plus a relatively low share of elders living alone (40.2%, No. 7). Safety is mixed, with 9.90 crimes per 10,000 seniors (No. 5) and scams at 4.66 (No. 34). Idaho’s top-ten position makes sense if you weigh outdoor living and amenities heavily, but it’s a state where the “fine print” matters.

10) Hawaii

Hawaii rounds out the top ten at 58.90, and it’s the most unusual top-ten state because it ranks high while being wildly expensive. On healthcare and wellbeing, Hawaii looks genuinely strong: an average hospital rating of 3.77 (No. 3), 155-minute waits (No. 26), and the best senior mental health outcome in the entire study at 11.5% (No. 1). Physical health is also excellent at 13.4% poor physical health (No. 2). Medicare coverage is lower at 95.2% (No. 40), but overall wellbeing indicators are hard to argue with.

Now the sticker shock: Hawaii’s average home value is $840,256 (No. 50) and its cost of living index is 185 (No. 50), the highest in the nation by far. So why is it still top ten? Because some social factors are unusually favorable. Hawaii ranks No. 1 for the share of elders living alone at 34.3% (meaning fewer are living alone compared to other states) and posts relatively low scams at 2.20 (No. 9). It also holds decent community amenities (community centers 2.98, No. 14; golf courses 2.11, No. 10). Hawaii’s ranking is basically saying: it may cost a fortune, but if you can afford it, the day-to-day retirement experience can be healthier and less isolating.

Bottom 5 states to retire in 2026

46) Washington

Washington ranks 46th with a 46.57 score, and the story is mostly cost pressure combined with safety concerns. Healthcare looks average on paper: 3.29 hospital rating (No. 29) and 137-minute waits (No. 21), but Medicare coverage is relatively low at 95.5% (No. 37). Senior physical and mental health aren’t disastrous (16.3% poor physical health, No. 23; 16.5% poor mental health, No. 36), and the 65+ suicide rate is 20.5 (No. 37), but nothing here is strong enough to offset the financial and safety headwinds.

The affordability side is where Washington really sinks. The average home value is $596,514 (No. 47) and the cost of living index is 114.1 (No. 43). Adult day healthcare costs are brutal at $6,053 per month (No. 49), which is nearly the worst nationally. Lifestyle numbers also disappoint for retirees: parks per senior are just 4.60 (No. 49), one of the lowest in the entire study. Safety metrics aren’t kind either, including 14.14 crimes per 10,000 seniors (No. 48). Washington may be beautiful, but this ranking suggests retirees pay for that beauty in multiple ways.

47) Tennessee

Tennessee places 47th with a 46.46 score, and the biggest issue is that health outcomes don’t match the state’s affordability reputation. It has a decent 3.53 hospital rating (No. 15) and manageable 160-minute waits (No. 29), with Medicare coverage at 97% (No. 16). But senior health is a problem: 22.2% of adults 65+ report poor physical health (No. 46) and 20.3% report poor mental health (No. 48). For retirees, those two numbers can translate into more appointments, more prescriptions, and more stress.

Costs are relatively friendly, with a 90.3 cost of living index (No. 10) and a mid-range $316,501 home value (No. 23), plus adult day care at $1,897 (No. 15). But lifestyle access is thin: parks per 10,000 seniors are just 11.48 (No. 43) and scenic byways are 0.03 (No. 44). Safety concerns also show up in fatal crash risk, with 174 fatal crashes involving older drivers per 10,000 (No. 46). Tennessee’s low placement suggests that being affordable doesn’t matter as much if health and safety indicators are flashing yellow.

48) Oregon

Oregon ranks 48th with a 45.22 score, and it’s almost entirely a cost-and-access story. Hospital care is slower here, with 196-minute waits (No. 44), and a 3.29 hospital rating (No. 29). Medicare coverage is moderate at 96.5% (No. 25), and health outcomes are not top-tier (16.1% poor physical health, No. 21; 17.8% poor mental health, No. 43). The 65+ suicide rate is 26.4 (No. 45), among the worst, which weighs heavily in a retirement quality-of-life analysis.

Then comes the financial hit. Oregon’s adult day healthcare cost is $6,327 per month (No. 50), the highest in the nation, and home values are high at $494,836 (No. 43) with a 111.8 cost of living index (No. 39). Amenities aren’t terrible (parks 25.44, No. 16; scenic byways 0.31, No. 9), which is why the low ranking can surprise people. But if a retiree needs any meaningful level of support care, Oregon becomes punishingly expensive, fast.

49) Arkansas

Arkansas ranks 49th with a 45.17 score, and it’s a textbook example of affordability not being enough on its own. Healthcare is mixed: 3.19 hospital rating (No. 36) and decent 131-minute waits (No. 16), with Medicare coverage at 97.2% (No. 13). The real problem is wellbeing: 22.3% of seniors report poor physical health (No. 47) and 20.4% report poor mental health (No. 49). Those are near-worst outcomes nationally, and they can drive up costs and reduce quality of life regardless of how cheap housing is.

Yes, Arkansas is affordable: $207,284 home value (No. 5) and a 89.6 cost of living index (No. 7), plus adult day care at $1,733 (No. 6). But it performs poorly in critical safety and infrastructure areas. The state ranks last for digital access with 1,055 elders with no internet subscription (No. 50), which matters more than people think because healthcare, banking, and basic services increasingly require online access. It also struggles with older-driver safety: 206 fatal crashes involving older drivers per 10,000 (No. 48). Arkansas ranks low because it can be cheap and still be hard.

50) Nevada

Nevada finishes last with a 44.14 total score, and the main drivers are safety risks and senior health concerns. Healthcare looks okay on the surface with a 3.58 hospital rating (No. 13) and 145-minute waits (No. 24), but Medicare coverage is low at 95.3% (No. 39). Nevada also struggles with senior wellbeing: 21.4% poor physical health (No. 45) and a very high 65+ suicide rate of 31.8 per 100K (No. 49), which is one of the worst in the entire study.

Nevada isn’t especially affordable either, with an average home value of $443,453 (No. 37) and 100.2 cost of living (No. 30). Lifestyle infrastructure is thin with community centers 1.97 (No. 42) and parks at 16.50 (No. 31). The biggest red flag is safety: Nevada posts 21.64 crimes per 10,000 seniors (No. 43), which is extremely high compared to the top-ranked states. Retirees can handle heat, tourists, and busy streets, but when safety and health indicators pile up together, the ranking reflects that reality.

Devon Kapler Leftwich, spokesperson for Go Au Pair, commented on the study’s findings:

“Retirement has gotten harder because the basics cost more. Housing, groceries, and healthcare add up fast, and a lot of people are trying to stretch the same income further than it was ever meant to go.”

“A good retirement state makes everyday life easier. That means shorter waits for care, safer communities, and places where seniors can stay connected instead of feeling stuck at home. States can improve retirement by focusing on practical things: affordable support services, more community programs, safer roads, and better access to doctors, especially outside big cities.”

“The goal isn’t luxury. It’s stability. When retirees can predict their costs and get help when they need it, they feel more secure and they stay healthier.”

Methodology

This study determined the best states to retire in the U.S. by analyzing 25 key metrics across five main categories: healthcare, affordability & finances, environment, social life & amenities, and safety & security. Each metric was assigned a specific weight based on its importance in contributing to an ideal retirement environment. Scores for each metric were scaled from 0 to 100, where 100 represents the best performance.

Here are the categories, along with their respective metrics and weights:

Healthcare (30%)

• Average Hospital Rating 
• Hospital Wait Time 
• % 65+ With Medicare Coverage 
• % of Adults 65+ Reporting Poor Physical Health (14+ days) 
• % of Adults Reporting Poor Mental Health (14+ days) 
• Suicide Rates Among Age 65+ (per 100K) 

Affordability & Finances (22.5%)

• Average Home Value 
• Cost of Living 
• Median Monthly Adult Day Health Care Cost (44 hours/week)
  Share of Older Adults Below the Poverty Line 
• Average Monthly Social Security Retirement Benefit 

Environment (10%)

• Average Temperature (°F) 
• Sunny Days 
• Air Quality PM2.5 

Social Life & Amenities (22.5%)

• Community Centers per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• Golf Courses per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• Parks per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• Scenic Byways per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• % of Population Aged 65+ 
• Share of Elders Living Alone 
• Share of Elders With No Internet Subscription 

Safety & Security (15%)

• Crimes per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• Scams per 10,000 People Age 65+ 
• Fatal Crashes Involving an Older Driver 65+ per 10,000 
• Age Discrimination Complaints per 100,000 Eligible Workers 

Sources

Zillow, Numbeo, Google Maps, SeniorLiving.org, Current Results, Eventbrite, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Google Reviews, FBI Crime Data Explorer / FBI, Open Street Map, Tax Foundation, Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHCH).