6 Worst States to Retire in 2026 Based on Cost, Health Care, and Quality of Life

You've likely worked hard for decades contributing to your 401(k), counting the days until you can finally leave work for good. However, where you decide to live during your retirement years can impact how far your nest egg will go. There are many things to consider when it comes to your retirement location, from proximity to family to the weather you enjoy.

However, if you're open to considering other options, WalletHub recently released a large study on the best and worst states to retire. In this article, we will share the six states you should avoid if you want a good quality of life and to save money in retirement.

Factors to consider when retiring

Affordability, of course, is the biggest factor to consider when retiring. Your income combination, whether that's 401(k) income, IRA income, Social Security, a pension, or a combination of these, has to be enough to cover your expenses during retirement.

However, health care access, community support, family proximity, safety, weather, and your overall quality of life are also important to consider. Here are the six worst states to retire in, according to WalletHub, based on 46 different factors, including tax rate, health care, quality of life, and more.

New York

• Affordability rank: 50
• Quality of life rank: 12
• Health care rank: 12
• Total score: 45.34

Out of all 50 states, New York ranked 45th on the list, making it one of the worst places to retire in America. The primary factor working against New York is that it's an expensive place to live. Though it has a good quality of life and access to health care, the high price tag is what pushed New York toward the bottom of the list.

Hawaii

• Affordability rank: 49
• Quality of life rank: 21
• Health care rank: 11
• Total score: 45.27

Similar to New York, the primary reason Hawaii is near the bottom of the retirement destination list is its high cost of living. Hawaii has a good quality of life thanks to its beautiful landscape, but basic expenses like groceries, housing, and even traveling cost more because of the state's location.

West Virginia

• Affordability rank: 18
• Quality of life rank: 41
• Health care rank: 50
• Total score: 45.24

West Virginia is one of the most affordable places to live in the United States. However, it ranks near the bottom for quality of life and healthcare because it lacks an abundance of health care options. Because access to quality health care is of prime importance during retirement years as you age, West Virginia may not be the best choice, especially for those with chronic conditions who need specific levels of care.

Mississippi

• Affordability rank: 9
• Quality of life rank: 49
• Health care rank: 49
• Total score: 44.60

Similar to West Virginia, Mississippi is a very affordable state. Retirees can purchase affordable homes and will spend less on day-to-day expenses than in many other states. However, many parts of Mississippi lack access to quality health care and are plagued with poor health outcomes. This makes the quality-of-life rating low.

Oklahoma

• Affordability rank: 31
• Quality of life rank: 48
• Health care rank: 43
• Total score: 42.59

According to WalletHub's data, Oklahoma is the second worst state for retirement. Though it's a relatively affordable state, it ranks poorly for access to quality health care and retirees' overall quality of life. While some major cities may have the resources that retirees need, the state as a whole did not score well as an ideal retirement location.

Kentucky

• Affordability rank: 34
• Quality of life rank: 42
• Health care rank: 47
• Total score: 41.83

Seeing Kentucky last on the retirement list may come as a shock to many, as Kentucky is a mostly affordable state with a strong culture. However, it ranks near the bottom of the list for quality of life and health care. Because these scores were so low and its affordability rating was good but not near the top, Kentucky's overall score ultimately put it at the bottom of WalletHub's list of places to retire.

The best (or worst) place to retire will depend on your needs

Ultimately, everyone's needs will be different when it comes to their retirement location. Some people will be willing to pay more for housing if it means they can be near friends and family. Others who are on a lower fixed income may need to move to a state that is more affordable. 

Either way, it's important that retirees take the time to research several different locations that may be best for them to live in during their later years.

Bottom line

Finding an affordable place to live in retirement is only one part of the retirement plan. In order to have a truly stress-free retirement, it's also important to consider your quality of life, proximity to community, and access to quality health care.