10 Retirement Cities With The Most Days of Sunshine Per Year

Living within your budget is a crucial part of a stress-free retirement, but many can't picture enjoying their golden years without relocating somewhere sunny. Fortunately, there's no shortage of sunny U.S. cities that also offer a low cost of living, access to crucial services, and other perks for seniors.

Keep reading for our list of sunny, affordable retirement cities for seniors who want to skip cloudy days, gray skies, and high costs.

Editor's note: Our list of the sunniest cities is based on an August 2025 Move.org study using NOAA data. Cost-of-living figures come from Salary.com unless otherwise noted.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 85%

Arizona is a retirement hub for good reason. For one thing, it doesn't tax Social Security benefits and has a flat 2.5% tax rate on other income. For another, its dry heat is appealing to outdoor-loving retirees eager to spend their newly free time soaking up the sun.

While Phoenix has the sunniest weather, it's hard to go wrong with any Arizona city. According to the World Population Review, Arizona is the sunniest state in the nation, with an average of 3,806 hours of sunshine per year.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 85%

No surprise, Tucson actually ties with Phoenix as the sunniest city in the country. The two cities are about two hours apart by car, but the difference in sunlight is entirely negligible: you'll enjoy the same clear skies and bright weather no matter which Arizona town you end up in.

Tucson is much smaller than Phoenix, so if the big-city lifestyle doesn't appeal to you, Tucson might be a better fit. Plus, the average home price here is below the national average at around $315k, according to Zillow, making it an appealing choice to settle down for your golden years.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 83%

Texas has a strong reputation for being an affordable place to live, and El Paso is no exception. The cost of living in this border town is 16% below the national average, and the average single adult can expect to spend around $737 a month on housing.

Plus, with over 100 miles of hiking trails and easy access to nearby state and national parks, El Paso makes it easy for residents to make the most of sunny days.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 78%

Colorado is better known for its ski slopes than its sunny skies, but the truth is, this high-altitude state has some of the sunniest cities in the country. Pueblo is the fifth-sunniest city in the U.S., but its high altitude means you'll experience all four seasons. If you like the cold but don't care for gloomy winter weather, Pueblo could be a good fit.

The city's cost of living is 5% lower than the national average, and the money you save living in the cheaper town will make it easier to vacation in Colorado Springs (to the north) or the Great Sand Dunes National Park (to the south).

Average percent of sunshine possible: 76%

Albuquerque's cost of living is 6% under the national average. Most importantly, its housing costs are 23.7% below average, helping offset its slightly above-average healthcare costs.

Part of that cost may come from the city's top-notch healthcare facilities, especially the University of New Mexico Hospital. As an academic hospital, it's able to offer cutting-edge treatments and fast care that can improve seniors' quality of life.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 74%

Located in West Texas, Odessa is a vibrant community with plenty of ways to enjoy its sunny days. On the first Friday of every month, the downtown district hosts live outdoor music, food, and games.

Community-based fun includes yoga at the Ellen Noel Art Museum and homeless pet hikes sponsored by the Sibley Nature Center. But if you need to get away for a few days, the Midland International Air & Space Port is ten miles away, or you can drive down to Big Bend National Park in just a few hours.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 72%

You don't have to stay in the West to enjoy year-round sun. Pennsylvania actually gets its fair share of sunny weather, especially in Allentown, the state's third-largest city. Along with all that sun, you'll get some bitterly cold winters, but the sunny days can help offset some of those winter blues.

The town has a thriving arts scene with plenty of opportunities for family fun, including the massive Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom, which features roller coasters and a waterpark.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 69%

The South isn't the only region in the U.S. with clear skies and affordable rent. The Midwest has a similarly low cost of living, especially in places like Dodge City, where the overall cost of living is 8% cheaper than the national average and housing costs are a whopping 40% below the norm.

Kansas used to mark the far edge of the American frontier, and Dodge City makes the most of its cowboy heritage. The Boot Hill Museum preserves the city's Wild West history with gunfight reenactments and variety shows. Dodge City's sunny skies mean rodeo events and dirt-track races can happen year-round.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 68%

Love the sun but not the desert? If you prefer your sunshine with a dash of humidity, Little Rock is a great pick. The city's top recreation spots include Lake Balboa, Willow Beach Park, and Lake Ouachita State Park, all places where you can swim, hike, or sunbathe during the state's frequent sunny days.

And while Arkansas itself is a landlocked state, it's much closer to the ocean than any of the other cities on our list. With costs 5% lower than the national average, Little Rock lets you keep more money in your pocket so you can enjoy a weekend on the Mississippi or Louisiana coast.

Average percent of sunshine possible: 67%

Havre is a small town with a population just over 9,000, making it a good spot for retirees looking forward to a slower pace of life in a tight-knit community.

The city's historic downtown retains the look and feel of its frontier origins, but there's even more to see underground: you can tour old speakeasies, opium dens, and other establishments connected by tunnels dating back to the early 1900s.

Of course, there's plenty to do above-ground and under the sun, from exploring the lush campus of Montana State University Northern to viewing the ancient buffalo jump spot above the Milk River, where Native American hunters would drive buffalo over the cliff.

Deciding where you want to live is one of the most crucial parts of planning for retirement, and its impact on your happiness is hard to overstate. If possible, start researching spots for your potential move well before you retire, touring towns to get a good feel for the environment, culture, and weather.