10 States Where You Can Retire Comfortably for Less Than $60,000 a Year

Many of these states offer features that can make your golden years rich and full.

By Chris Adam

Edited by Chris Kissell

Updated Nov. 6, 2024

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Retirement can be pretty expensive, so it might make sense to look for a new home where the cost of living is lower and real estate prices are more affordable.

In the following 10 states, you can retire comfortably for under $60,000 a year, making relocation one of the smart homeowner moves to consider during your golden years. All sale price figures are from Redfin and are for the month of September.

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West Virginia

Median sale price: $256,800

If you want to get away from hordes of people and enjoy less traffic, many areas of West Virginia can be a perfect fit.

When you do find neighbors, you are likely to meet caring people who want to help you build community. You can also enjoy beautiful Appalachian landscapes with rolling hills and majestic mountains.

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Arkansas

Median sale price: $256,400

The diverse geography of Arkansas might fit well with your lifestyle. You will encounter mountains, forested land, and lowlands.

The state is home to 52 state parks and six national parks. Eureka Springs is known for its craft shows, while Bentonville has a reputation for world-class art — in addition to serving as home to Walmart's headquarters.

Iowa

Median sale price: $236,700

Iowa is home to rolling prairies and charming small towns. If you want the vibrancy of the city, check out Des Moines. There, you can stroll through the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden or bike along the 25-mile High Trestle Trail.

Along with the Iowa State Fair, you can visit the “Field of Dreams” movie site in Dyersville, Iowa.

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Alabama

Median sale price: $282,000

Alabama is known for its cultural diversity, but you will also find biodiversity here. In fact, the state is sometimes called the "Amazon of North America" because of its many species of fish, salamanders, snails, turtles and more.

The city of Huntsville has surged in popularity and is known for a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is not far from what you will find in places such as Atlanta or Nashville, Tennessee.

Mississippi

Median sale price: $254,900

Your next adventure may take you to the famous “home of the blues.” Mississippi is justly famous for its deep musical roots.

If rolling the dice is more your style, check out the casinos in Tunica. Or, take a trip to the Gulf Coast and stay in Biloxi.

Kentucky

Median sale price: $266,700

You may know this state for its famous Kentucky Derby, but you will find much more to enjoy here.

Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest cave system, and baseball fans can take a swing at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

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Nebraska

Median sale price: $288,200

Nebraska is known as the Cornhusker State: Farming is a big deal here. The state's residents also marvel at the annual spectacle of seeing millions of sandhill cranes gather along the Platte River as they migrate.

Baseball fans can check out the annual College World Series, which has been played in Omaha since 1950.

Ohio

Median sale price: $254,800

Music fans in Ohio can check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, while sports aficionados can explore the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

The Cleveland Clinic also offers world-class health care services to retirees and others.

Oklahoma

Median sale price: $245,000

Oklahoma is home to two major cities,Tulsa and Oklahoma City.

You will also find more than 300 museums in the state and 55,646 miles of shoreline — more than what you would get by combining the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.

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Louisiana

Median sale price: $248,900

You could make the home of Mardi Gras — New Orleans — your latest home. Louisiana is also known for its jazz music and spicy food.

Acadian culture is celebrated throughout the state, and many residents enjoy events such as the Breaux Bridge Crawfish Festival.

Bottom line

The states on this list hold out the promise of a comfortable retirement with a lower cost of living. You might find one of these destinations is the place for you to get ahead financially.

So, plan a vacation to one of the states on this list so you can experience life there and decide whether the state is worthy of being your new home.

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