Idaho
Idaho’s cost of living is 106.1. As Social Security benefits aren’t taxable, other types of retirement incomes are. Public and private pension incomes are somehow taxed, too. Property and sales taxes are also low.
However, it is still one of the few states that taxes groceries, which is surprising, given that they’d rather tax groceries than estate or inheritance taxes. The cost of living here is 6.1% higher than the national average.
Arizona
Unfortunately, Arizona also made it in our list of the worst states to retire in for taxes and cost of living, and the main reason for that is its moderate tax burden on retirees and high living costs.
The state doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, but distributions from 401(k) and other retirement accounts are still taxed. Property taxes in this state might be low, but if you think about it, combined sales taxes are quite high over 8%. In Arizona, the cost of living is 7.2% higher than the national average, scoring 107.2.
Why wasn’t Hawaii included? It’s more expensive to survive there than in San Francisco! After the wildfire on 8-8-23 wiped out Lahaina on Maui, one family faced having to pay $9K a month to rent a 4-BR house!
Military retirement is not taxed in CT. Future tax pans are expected to reduce tax on other retirement income and social security is taxed on a sliding scale. CT is a very good state for retirees