For those leaving the workforce, the choice of where to retire can impact future comfort, with factors like cost of living, tax rates, access to quality medical care, and worthwhile activities to consider before making the move.

In a recent study, WalletHub provides a comprehensive list of the best states to retire, comparing all 50 states across 46 key indicators of retirement-friendliness. You can see the methodology used here.

According to the Social Security Administration, the normal retirement age ranges from 65-67 by birth year. However, the earliest age one can access limited social security benefits is 62 and 65 to apply for Medicare.

More than four million Americans will be turning 65 this year marking a historic surge in those approaching retirement. So, understanding which states offer the best value is essential to making the most out of your retirement.

These are the 10 states that stand out (and don’t) for retirement prospects in 2025, according to WalletHub:

Best states to retire

1. Florida

• Affordability rank: 2
• Quality of life rank: 2
• Health care rank: 27

2. Minnesota

• Affordability rank: 27
• Quality of life rank: 6
• Health care rank: 1

3. Colorado

• Affordability: 15
• Quality of life rank: 18
• Health care rank: 3

4. Wyoming

• Affordability rank: 1
• Quality of life rank: 3
• Health care rank: 38

5. South Dakota

• Affordability rank: 18
• Quality of life rank: 19
• Health care rank: 4

6. Pennsylvania

• Affordability rank: 22
• Quality of life rank: 5
• Health care rank: 9

7. New Hampshire

• Affordability rank: 23
• Quality of life rank: 8
• Health care rank: 14

8. Delaware

• Affordability rank: 4
• Quality of life rank: 35
• Health care rank: 35

9. North Dakota

• Affordability rank: 14
• Quality of life: 30
• Health care rank: 13

10. Wisconsin

• Affordability rank: 17
• Quality of life: 20
• Health care rank: 21

Worst states to retire

1. Kentucky

• Affordability rank: 36
• Quality of life rank: 41
• Health care rank: 45

2. Louisiana

• Affordability rank: 24
• Quality of life rank: 46
• Health care rank: 48

3. Mississippi

• Affordability rank: 9
• Quality of life rank: 50
• Health care rank: 47

4. Washington

• Affordability rank: 48
• Quality of life rank: 23
• Health care rank: 24

5. New Mexico

• Affordability rank: 38
• Quality of life rank: 45
• Health care rank: 33

6. New Jersey

• Affordability rank: 46
• Quality of life rank: 36
• Health care rank: 12

7. Rhode Island

• Affordability rank: 40
• Quality of life rank: 40
• Health care rank: 22

8. West Virginia

• Affordability rank: 11
• Quality of life rank: 44
• Health care rank: 50

9. Arkansas

• Affordability rank: 12
• Quality of life rank: 49
• Health care rank: 44

10. Hawaii

• Affordability rank: 50
• Quality of life rank: 27
• Health care rank: 7

Where does Alabama rank for retirees?

WalletHub ranked Alabama 37th among the best states for retirement. The state ranks 3rd in affordability, 43rd for quality of life, and 49th for health care.