10 Best States if You’re Living on the Average $1,772 Social Security Payment

Being able to comfortably retire is a key goal for many Americans. And while you should always check your retirement readiness from a top-down view, it’s also a good idea to delve into where you should consider living out your golden years.

Not to cast aspersions on any particular state, but there are definitely ones that are better for retirees than others. Consider living costs, health care, weather, and so on.

Since the average monthly Social Security income is $1,772 per month or $21,264 annually, you should understand your shortfall — or how much additional money beyond Social Security you’ll need to live in that state.

Here are the top states for retirees.

Delaware is America’s first state and takes the first slot when it comes to states good for retirees. It’s tax-friendly, with no state or local sales tax and no tax on Social Security benefits. There are also no estate or inheritance taxes.

There are other taxes to consider though, including on gas and cigarettes. The cost of living is just on the high side, with the national average being 100, according to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center.

Cost of living index: 100.9

Weather: Generally moderate with some fluctuations

Average retirement age: 63

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $58,418

Shortfall: $37,154

West Virginia gets high marks for affordability thanks to its low cost of living, property taxes, and homeowner insurance.

While it performs moderately in wellness, it scores the lowest in health care quality and cost. High health care expenses, poor system performance, and a limited number of health care centers might make it dicey for older Americans.

Cost of living index: 83.8

Weather: Cold winters with toasty, humid summers.

Average retirement age: 61

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $49,439

Shortfall: $28,175

Georgia’s big selling point is affordability. The Peach State’s cost of living has decreased significantly.

While the quality and cost of health care have seen modest improvements, Georgia's overall well-being and crime ratings remain low this year. These factors contribute to making it a more attractive option for retirees.

Cost of living index: 91.3

Weather: Humid, subtropical, but generally mild

Average retirement age: 63

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $50,066

Shortfall: $28,802

Like Georgia, South Carolina gets big points for affordability, though the cost of living is a bit on the upper end.

It’s also got generally nice weather and you won’t find it lacking in terms of well-being — and health care quality and costs.

Cost of living index: 97.6

Weather: Humid and subtropical. Beware of tropical cyclones.

Average retirement age: 63

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $53,207

Shortfall: $31,943

The Show Me State shows up well in terms of affordability, with a strong score in cost of living.

However, the state faces challenges in health care quality, overall well-being, crime, and natural disasters. The past 40 years have seen droughts, floods, freezes, severe storms, tropical cyclones, and winter storms.

Cost of living index: 88.5

Weather: Varies, but expect chilly winters and hot summers

Average retirement age: 63

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $50,247

Shortfall: $28,983

Mississippi has some great perks for retirees — largely in terms of taxes and retirement income.

It exempts all retirement income, including Social Security, IRA, 401(k), and pensions, from taxes. In addition, Mississippi offers low property taxes and moderate sales tax rates.

Cost of living index: 88.3

Weather: Humid, subtropical. Moderate winters and long, hot summers.

Average retirement age: 63

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $46,993

Shortfall: $25,729

Pennsylvania might have a steep cost of living index compared to some other states, but it does very well by being tax-friendly.

Your pension, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and IRAs are all tax-exempt.

Cost of living index: 95.6

Weather: Diverse — it’s a big state

Average retirement age: 64

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $57,941

Shortfall: $36,677

The Sunshine State is a popular destination for retirees due to its tax-friendly policies. While property and state tax rates are around the national average, the overall tax burden is low.

However, the cost of living is a bit above average, with high costs for groceries, housing, and utilities. And don’t forget homeowners insurance, which may be unaffordable in Florida, depending on where you live.

Cost of living index: 103.1

Weather: Expect long, hot summers and mild winters … and hurricanes

Average retirement age: 64

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $56,382

Shortfall: $35,118

Iowa offers a host of benefits for retirees — largely in its balance between cost of living, health care, and tax-friendliness. Housing in particular is well below the national average.

Cost of living index: 90.1

Weather: Humid, warm summers and chilly winters.

Average retirement age: 65

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $52,399

Shortfall: $31,135

Wyoming offers lower-than-average sales (an average of 5.44% in state and local sales taxes) and property taxes. Taxes and affordable housing contribute to a cost of living below the national average.

The state relies on special taxes, but it doesn't rank very well in terms of quality of life. The cost of health care is quite a bit above average, which can be a particular drain for older people.

Cost of living index: 95.1

Weather: On average, a pretty cool climate

Average retirement age: 64

How much you’ll need per year for a comfy retirement: $52,330

Shortfall: $31,066

Location, location, location — that’s a big part of the retirement puzzle. Some states may work better for you than others, so take a gander at living costs, health care, and what weather you’d like to spend your days in.

If you choose a state that will require a higher income in order to live comfortably, you may have to consider supplementing your Social Security with a part-time job. And don’t forget, in some states, you may owe taxes on that Social Security income.

Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference and what matters most to you.