What is the best state for seniors on Social Security?

Asked by: Loy Williamson  |  Last update: June 30, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (69 votes)

Top states for affordability include Alabama, South Carolina, and Delaware, which is helpful for retirees on a fixed income or who rely on Social Security income. Top states for the lowest tax burden include Alaska, Wyoming, and Tennessee.

What is the cheapest state to live in on Social Security?

What state is the best financially to retire in? A 2022 Kiplinger analysis ranked the most tax-friendly places in the country for retirement: Alaska, Florida, Iowa, Mississippi, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming.

What state has the best benefits for seniors?

1. Montana – Overall Grade: A+ (100) Montana may be known for its badlands, but it is an excellent land for senior healthcare, notching the best overall grade in the nation. The state's primary strength was its healthcare accessibility for older citizens.

What state pays the highest Social Security benefits?

The analysis found these states had the highest median monthly Social Security checks:
  • New Jersey: $2,100.
  • Connecticut: $2,084.
  • Delaware: $2,064.
  • New Hampshire: $2,039.
  • Maryland: $2,008.
  • Michigan: $2,005.
  • Washington: $1,992.
  • Minnesota: $1,982.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

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What state takes the best care of their seniors?

Top States: Montana & North Dakota

In evaluating which state has the best care for seniors, Montana and North Dakota emerge as the frontrunners, both boasting impressive "A+" scores for senior healthcare. Montana ranks first in the nation with an overall grade of 100.

What states have no property tax for seniors?

The following states offer partial exemption on property taxes for seniors and people over 65.
  • Hawaii. In Hawaii, if you're 65 or older, you could knock $160,000 off your home's assessed value, reducing your property tax liability. ...
  • Louisiana. ...
  • Alaska. ...
  • New York. ...
  • Washington. ...
  • Mississippi. ...
  • Florida. ...
  • South Dakota.

What is the cheapest state for seniors to live in?

Cheapest States to Retire In
  • Arkansas. ...
  • Oklahoma. ...
  • West Virginia. ...
  • Tennessee. ...
  • South Carolina. Cost of Living: Below national average. ...
  • Kentucky. Cost of Living: Low cost of living and healthcare costs. ...
  • Louisiana. Cost of Living: Lower than average living costs. ...
  • Georgia. Cost of Living: Lower healthcare costs.

Where is the best place for poor seniors to live?

Can you retire to a place that's both affordable and fun? We found out.
  • Decatur, Alabama. Cost of living for retirees: 11.0% below U.S. average. ...
  • Prescott, Arizona. ...
  • Hot Springs, Arkansas. ...
  • Grand Junction, Colorado. ...
  • Punta Gorda, Florida. ...
  • Sandy Springs, Georgia. ...
  • Boise, Idaho. ...
  • Bloomington, Indiana.

What states do not tax social security and retirement income?

State taxation of individual income. There are currently seven states in which individual income is not subject to tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. In two other states — New Hampshire and Tennessee — only dividends and interest are subject to state taxes.

What is the best state to live in financially?

  • Arkansas. #1 in Cost of Living. #47 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Mississippi. #2 in Cost of Living. #48 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Alabama. #3 in Cost of Living. ...
  • South Dakota. #4 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Iowa. #5 in Cost of Living. ...
  • North Dakota. #6 in Cost of Living. ...
  • Oklahoma. #7 in Cost of Living. ...
  • West Virginia. #8 in Cost of Living.

Which states will lose Social Security benefits?

The 9 states that still tax Social Security benefits
  • Colorado.
  • Connecticut.
  • Minnesota.
  • Montana.
  • New Mexico.
  • Rhode Island.
  • Utah.
  • Vermont.

Where is the least expensive place to live for seniors?

Read on to explore the cities with the most affordable housing that notched highly on the U.S. News 2024 Best Places to Retire ranking.
  • Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Montgomery, Alabama.
  • Davenport, Iowa.
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin.
  • Hickory, North Carolina.
  • Wichita, Kansas.
  • Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana.

What state is best for seniors on Social Security disability?

Iowa ranks as the most affordable overall state for those living on a Social Security check, with low rent as one of the prime contributors. More than 17% of residents are 65 or older.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in USA?

As a senior citizen, you probably will end up paying property taxes for as long as you are a homeowner. However, depending on the state you live in and often once you hit your 60s (usually around the ages of 61 to 65), you may be eligible for a property tax exemption.

What state pays no property tax?

Sadly for investors, the answer is no, there are no states without property tax. This is because property tax is a useful way for local governments to fund public services such as schools, fire and police departments, infrastructure and libraries.

What state helps seniors the most?

States ranking for best health and healthcare for senior adults in the U.S. in 2024. In 2024, across all states in the United States, Utah was ranked as the healthiest state for older adults aged 65 years and above, followed by Colorado and Vermont.

Which state has the best healthcare?

  • Hawaii. #1 in Health Care. #34 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Massachusetts. #2 in Health Care. #10 in Best States Overall. ...
  • Connecticut. #3 in Health Care. #20 in Best States Overall. ...
  • New Jersey. #4 in Health Care. ...
  • Rhode Island. #5 in Health Care. ...
  • California. #6 in Health Care. ...
  • Maryland. #7 in Health Care. ...
  • New York. #8 in Health Care.

What is the friendliest state for seniors?

Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming are the top tax-friendly states for retirees. All of them have no personal income taxes. 1 Other taxes, cost of living, and overall quality of life are also important considerations.

Can two wives collect Social Security from one husband?

Each survivor benefit can be up to 100% of your benefit. The amount may be reduced if the women start benefits before their own full retirement age, but they don't have to share — the amount isn't reduced because you've had more than one spouse.

Who are the never beneficiaries of Social Security?

Ninety-five percent of never-beneficiaries are individuals whose earnings histories are insufficient to qualify for benefits. Late-arriving immigrants and infrequent workers comprise the vast majority of these insufficient earners.

How much does a wife get of her husband's Social Security if he dies?

Surviving spouse, any age, with a child younger than age 16, gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. Child gets 75% of the worker's benefit amount. There's a limit to the benefits we can pay to you and other family members each month. The limit varies between 150% and 180% of the deceased worker's benefit amount.