What is the best state to retire to avoid taxes?

Asked by: scraper  |  Last update: August 12, 2026
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There is no single "best" state for retirement taxes because total tax burden depends on your specific income types and spending habits. However, the most effective way to avoid taxes is to move to one of the nine states with no state income tax:

What state is best financially to retire to?

The best states for retirement financially are those with zero state income tax, no taxes on Social Security, and a low cost of living. Top choices consistently include Florida, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Delaware.

How much do I need to retire on $80,000 a year at 60?

To retire on an annual income of $80,000 at age 60, you will generally need a total retirement portfolio of $𝟐.𝟎 million. This calculation is based on the widely used 4% rule, which assumes you withdraw $80,000 in your first year and adjust for inflation, and the 25x rule (multiplying your target income by 25).

What state has the least taxes for retirees?

Best tax-friendly states for retirees in 2025

  1. Florida. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  2. Wyoming. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  3. South Dakota. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  4. Nevada. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  5. Alaska. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  6. Tennessee. Retirement income tax: None. ...
  7. New Hampshire. ...
  8. Delaware.

How many Americans have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

Only about 3.2% to 4.7% of Americans reach the $1 million mark in dedicated retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. This represents roughly 497,000 "401(k) millionaires" and a similar count of high-balance IRA holders, which often overlap.

These are the BEST States to Retire for Taxes

23 related questions found

What expenses do retirees often forget?

Whether you are planning for your future or already retired, here are six hidden retirement costs to factor into your retirement plan and budget.

  • Housing costs beyond the mortgage. ...
  • Health care costs. ...
  • Long-term care. ...
  • Financial support for family members. ...
  • Taxes on retirement income. ...
  • Inflation and its impact over time.

What is the average net worth of a 70 year old couple?

The average net worth for Americans aged 65 to 74 is approximately $1.79 million, while the median net worth is about $410,000. For individuals in their 70s, averages reported by financial institutions hover around $1.45 million to $1.46 million.

What is the number one mistake retirees make?

The most significant retirement mistake is failing to plan and track a realistic monthly budget, which often leads to either overspending and depleting funds too early, or underspending out of fear and missing out on the golden years.

What is the average Social Security payment?

The overall average Social Security monthly payment for retired workers is $2,081.16.

Which 4 are the biggest retirement regrets?

Let's unpack the 9 most common regrets of the retired so you can avoid them.

  • I retired too late (or I worked for longer than I needed to) ...
  • I didn't get financial advice. ...
  • I retired too early … and my savings didn't last. ...
  • I didn't plan for a longer life. ...
  • I misjudged my lifestyle costs. ...
  • I didn't spend enough early in retirement.

Why did Elon Musk say "don't worry about saving for retirement"?

Elon Musk stated that saving for retirement will be irrelevant in 10 to 20 years because he believes rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics will create a future of extreme abundance. He predicts that AI will produce so many goods and services that basic needs will be met without the need for personal savings.

What is a good retirement nest egg?

A good retirement nest egg is widely considered to be 10 to 12 times your final annual salary by age 67. For example, if you earn $100,000 per year, you should aim for a total retirement savings balance of $1,000,000 to $1,200,000.

What does Dave Ramsey say about taking Social Security at 62?

Dave Ramsey advises that taking Social Security at 62 is generally a good idea if you do not need the funds to live on and plan to invest every dollar received. He argues that disciplined investors can earn a higher rate of return in mutual funds than the guaranteed annual bump you get by delaying benefits.

Where are retirees moving to in 2026?

In 2026, retirees are prioritizing affordability, healthcare access, and predictable tax environments, making the Midwest and Sun Belt major domestic targets, alongside popular international expat havens.

What is the cheapest and happiest state for retirees?

Cheapest States to Retire In

  • Mississippi. Cost of Living: Lowest in the U.S. ...
  • Alabama. Cost of Living: Significantly lower than the national average. ...
  • Arkansas. Cost of Living: Among the lowest in the nation. ...
  • Oklahoma. Cost of Living: Lower healthcare and housing costs. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Tennessee. ...
  • South Carolina. ...
  • Kentucky.

Is $3,000 a month a good Social Security benefit?

If you're expecting $3,000 per month from Social Security, that steady income can be a major relief—but it may also come with a tax bill. Depending on your total income, up to 85% of your benefits could be taxable at the federal level.

What do most retired people do all day?

Retirees spend their time on a mix of personal care, household chores, and expanded leisure. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows adults over 65 average about nine hours of sleep per night and seven hours of leisure time daily, which they fill with activities like watching TV, hobbies, exercising, and volunteering.

How many people have $1,000,000 in retirement savings?

Only about 3.2% to 4.7% of American retirees have at least $1 million saved in dedicated retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs. While uncommon overall, specific employer data shows a record 497,000 Americans are "401(k) millionaires" holding $1 million or more in their workplace plans.

What is the #1 regret of retirees?

The number one financial regret for retirees is not saving enough money. However, when looking at the overall retirement experience, the biggest overarching regret is quitting the workforce too soon or delaying their retirement.

What not to do when retiring?

  1. Top Ten Financial Mistakes After Retirement.
  2. 1) Not Changing Lifestyle After Retirement.
  3. 2) Failing to Move to More Conservative Investments.
  4. 3) Applying for Social Security Too Early.
  5. 4) Spending Too Much Money Too Soon.
  6. 5) Failure To Be Aware Of Frauds and Scams.
  7. 6) Cashing Out Pension Too Soon.

What is the happiest age to retire?

The "happiest" age to retire typically falls between 63 and 65 years old. This sweet spot balances having the physical energy to enjoy your freedom with the financial security needed to stop working.

What is considered a wealthy retiree?

Financial experts typically consider someone wealthy if they have a retirement net worth of at least $1 million, excluding the value of their primary residence. This figure encompasses assets such as investments, savings, and properties minus any liabilities like debts or mortgages.

How much money can a senior citizen have in the bank?

A senior citizen can generally have an unlimited amount of money in the bank. However, the exact limit depends on whether they rely on standard Social Security or need-based government assistance programs.

What is a good net worth at age 65?

At age 65, a "good" net worth is highly subjective, but as a general benchmark, the median net worth for Americans in this bracket is about $𝟒𝟏𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎, while the average is around $𝟏.𝟖 million. Because a few high-net-worth individuals skew the average upward, the median is often considered a more accurate reflection of what typical households hold.