7. Washington
- Cost-of-living index: 111.6
- Average one-bedroom rent (January 2022): $1,376
If Social Security checks are your sole source of retirement income, you may want to stay away from this state. As a geographically and ethnically diverse part of the Pacific Northwest, Washington is a jolt of energy. Washington is famous for being a place where you can disconnect from your urban roots and explore nature, from its white-capped peaks and lush wilds to its urban centers.
While megacities like Seattle are lively and beautiful, to truly see the state’s charm, you have to head to its forests and coasts. Teeming with natural wonders, the Evergreen State shows great diversity in its landscapes.
Now, you may wonder whether this place is suitable for someone who lives on just a Social Security check. Well, utilities are cheaper there compared to other US states — much cheaper, actually. However, retirees as well as everyone else who lives there spend more than the national average across every other cost-of-living category.
51 Responses
I would think Pennsylvania should be listed as 1 of the worst states to live in for retirees
Why? I live in PA and am doing quite well on my retirement. PA does not tax retirement pay so that in itself is a nice benefit.
The low income should qualify for HUD, SNAP and a few others.
Why do y say that the homes are affordable and no tax on food and clothes. ?? I was going to move there please advise
Especially if you’re like me and actually want to be warm inside your home.
PA living is reasonable away from the cities. There is no sales tax on groceries, clothing, shoes, and non prescription meds. Residents of adjacent states travel to PA to buy clothing, shoes, and other untaxed items. Eastern PA residents go to DE to buy other stuff since DE has no sales tax at all. School taxes are high for PA property owners statewide, especially near and in the cities. Really, school taxes should be frozen or reduced for seniors at age 65 but the state legislature “won’t go there”.
The EPA wrecked most heavy industry in PA for the last 54 years and PA has had difficulty recovering lost revenue from manufacturing but continues to spend regardless.
I MOVED TO PENNSYVANIA AFTER 2004 HURICAINS DESTOYED MY FLORIDA HOME…IT WAS THE BIGEST MISTAKE I EVER DID…NOW LIVING ON SSI, THE STATE , ALEGENY COUNTY HAS TOOK ALL MY MONEIES AWAY
Comments about #3 New York zero in on NYC which is not the real New York. When it comes to New York State “go west young man, go west”. NYC is too expensive plus it’s a rat-infested pit. Go westward into New York and live a much better quality of life. Avoid NYC at all cost!
Western NY born, raised, and educated and lovin’ it.
Did the same thing with Florida. Miami/Dade is an expensive, overcrowded, and crime ridden place to live and is atypical of life in Florida. Sarasota, located on the West Coast of Florida has much better beaches than anywhere on the East Coast of Florida, with the warm, tranquil water of the Gulf of Mexico and unbelievably white, surgery sand. Siesta Key Beach has been consistently voted the #1 beach in the entire world for many years running. Sarasota also boasts great schools, robust arts and entertainment centers, world class restaurants, and a relaxed lifestyle. All of this, and the cost of living in Sarasota is significantly less than that of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. Truly a retirement Paradise.
Anymore Northwest Indiana has become very expensive to retire, thanks to the Illinois people that moved in. I would say they can add Illinois and Indiana to the list, especially around Chicago.
Thank you for your comment. What is a good, affordable city to live in in NY state?
the entire state of NY rapes us in taxes… Eric county is the worst.. your advice should be to get the heck out of NY and find a state that won’t tax to death
You forgot IL
Illinois does not tax social security and that is possibly the only reason it is not on the list. It otherwise sucks.
Yep and Northwest Indiana. Both very expensive.
Right.. where are the 10 states listed? I don’t see them..
I did not know that the Washington Monument is located in the state of Washington.
Not surprised MA made this list. I am working while also collecting Social Security. I have family here for now, but in the future would look to move.
Is it just me or has anyone else noticed that the 10 worst states except Florida are all blue states? If one does go to Florida, then just keep on working or look to live in senor Housing Authority.
Learn the difference between Washington tge state and Washington D. C.
I am a retired American from New York and moved after I retired to Brazil. Here you can live well with just an SS check. Medical and hospital care-free including all operations and transplants. The doctors are first-class and will listen to you intensely. No rushing. The climate is great and Brazilian people are the most friendly and loving people when it comes to foreigners.
If your only source of income is Social Security and you don’t own a home think about a roommate and Medicare does not cover ALL MEDICAL Expenses I get billed for Dr visits
I saved 20% of my income since age 16 and I still work part time at age 76. I don’t mind paying for what medicare doesn’t cover. I am blessed with good health but don’t eat fast foods, keep the speed limit driving and don’t spend my time on the cell or computer as others do. Sometimes I leave my cell in the car for days.
I dont know anyone who gets that much from social security but I’m not surprised that Massachusetts is on the list.
Your picture for Washington State is a picture from Washington D.C. 🙁
Northern New York is a Beautiful place to live …..Lived there 40 years, came to Las Vegas, 11 years, going back to Northern New York. I miss the snow at Christmas, makes all of the difference.
Colorado has to be on that list
So what are the states that are the worst to live in and why can’t I find the rest of the article that says what they are… This is stupid!!!!
How could you use a picture of the Washington monument (in DC) as representing the State of Washington?
I am commenting on this disinformation slipped in here. Joe Biden is not giving social security to any illegals illegal’s don’t have social security cards or drivers licenses. If they are given these things then they are not illegal. No one gets anything from social security without first paying into it for years. These are dumb questions trying to scare ignorant people into voting for Trump.
I don’t think that the Washington Monument, which is shown above the Washington State text, is in Washington State.
An easy mistake to make
Like the London Bridge, which is in Arizona. At least, the “new” London Bridge of 1831-1967 is.
Florida has expensive areas, but also lots of areas where costs are much lower. Lots of small towns and cities and rural areas which do not demand high costs. Additionally no state income tax. I think its ranking in your scheme is politically motivated. It is definitely not a high cost of living area! Palm Beach and Miami do not reflect the true cost of living in FL .
What about Jersey?? & Filthydelphia??
By now we all must know that just about any place in the USA is too expensive for an older person trying to live on SS or even a modest pension. It is almost equally as daunting for young people trying to get a start in life with the so-called “American Dream. “And just maybe, that’s all that is left to us–a dream. We have become the architects of our own demise.
I’m surprised Illinois didn’t make the list because of it’s true blue nature. All of its true blue relatives made the list in predictable fashion.
No help for senior s if y are rich u be ok middle person no help nj to expensive to love tax on property off the wall car insurance to expensive home insurance to hi they think this is rodeo drive here 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔
#7 Washington State in the Pacific Northwest with a picture of teh Washington Monument that’s in Washington D.C.? Who edits these things? SMH
New York City is not a state. Upstate New York is less expensive and very nice place to live.
you moved the Washington monument to Seattle 🙂
The photo shown for Washington (state) is a photo from the other Washington (DC). If you’re writing an article about a state that you may not be familiar with, at least do research on all aspects. BTW, Eastern Washington seems to be the place where many people from Seattle area choose for retirement. Much better weather and cheaper options in housing.
This ONLY reconfirms that retirees do well to stay FAR FAR away from coastal states West or East. The more in the Interiour they move in the United States the better financially they will be. Oddly enough these regions are also the places people seem to be fleeing out of the most. Oh the beaches are attractive and costly, but the governmental insanity in regulations and rise of cost of living have made these regions for the most part WAY out of reach for most people. I often wonder if this is by design as the elites want the best real estate for themselves in terms what they feel is the best looking views. I already knew that places like California and New York were problematic financially speaking. That is a given.
What people do not seem to be able to get through their head. Social security is not meant to be a retirement. It is meant to be a supplement.
9 out of the 10 Worst States to Live on Just a Social Security Check are Democrat Party controlled States. Florida, though, should have been listed 10th, if not listed at all, but listed 9th over Oregano (10th) . Oregon, Washington, and California are the worst States on nearly every scale due to Democrat Party policies. Comparing with other States, 99.9% are Democrat controlled States just as bad if not worse to retire in. Florida does not even come near to any 10 Worst States to Retire only on Social Security check .
and the rents DON”T have to be that high, greedy landlords,
maybe if heat/ac and lights included
The ability to live ANYWHERE on an income of S.S. ONLY has to be a difficult challenge. Don’t know what the statistics are, but hopefully the majority of retirees are receiving additional income. If your retired & able to live comfortably. Congratulations & count your blessings.
Property taxes in Tx make it so expensive to live
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.
Take me off the Lists!
You forgot Texas. Even the winter Texans commented on how higher prices are, then at home.
That isn’t a picture of Washington. That is Washington, DC. Duh???