2. California
- Cost-of-living index: 142.2
- Average one-bedroom rent (January 2022): $1,652
California is a captivating place full of travel destinations due to its natural beauty, coastlines, theme parks, and vibrant towns not seen anywhere else on Earth. Truth be told, the Golden State is perhaps the most renowned state in America, and many people visit this place for its lifestyle, landscape, as well as other activities.
Financially speaking, the average household income for seniors is significantly above average, yet plenty of seniors are unable to handle the heavy burden: 1 in 10 residents age 65 and older are living in poverty. But not just that: excluding the Social Security benefits, retirement income is fully taxable.
With above-average costs in almost every cost-of-living category and a housing index above 200, California has earned its reputation as a high-cost retirement place. If you’re planning to retire on Social Security checks alone, the California dream will likely remain just that.
I left Taxachusetts 50 years ago. Moved to Alaska!!!! Best thing I ever did. No personal State income tax!!! No State sales tax. Yes it gets cold and dark in winter. But summers are beautiful. Warmth and all the sunlight. It’s home!!!!!! HOME is where you make it. Playing golf at midnight is awesome!!! Each year eligible citizens get a Permanent Fund Dividend check from the State from the oil revenues received from oil revenue taxes. But the best part is the beauty of it all. Hunting, fishing, scenery, the people. It’s just different from the Lower 48!!!!!
That isn’t a picture of Washington. That is Washington, DC. Duh???
You forgot Texas. Even the winter Texans commented on how higher prices are, then at home.
Take me off the Lists!
By the way, Washington D.C. is not in the state of Washington. The Washington Monument shown in the picture is in Washington D.C.