This State Was Named Most Affordable in the U.S. for a 'Comfortable Retirement'

"That honor goes to West Virginia, which was rated the most affordable state to retire in comfortably, according to a study from GOBankingRates. In the Mountain State, the study found that a couple with Social Security benefits only needs to spend $2,032 each year to fund their retirement (that balloons to $37,562 without Social Security). Overall, the average monthly cost of a mortgage in West Virginia was $882."

"GOBankingRates reported that there was "a stark difference between what it means for couples to retire with and without Social Security benefits, regardless of whether you live in a high-cost-of-living state or not." To come up with its list (based on information gathered through Sept. 4, 2025), GOBankingRates looked at populations ages 65 years and older in each state, examined the cost of living, and analyzed the national average costs for retirees."

"The study found that in 14 states-West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Nebraska-couples would be able to retire with the help of Social Security benefits for under $10,000 each year. The most expensive state to retire comfortably in was Hawaii, according to the study, where the annual cost with Social Security benefits came to $74,333 and the annual cost without benefits was a whopping $109,863."

West Virginia ranked as the most affordable state for comfortable retirement, where a couple with Social Security needs $2,032 annually (or $37,562 without benefits), and average mortgage payments are $882 monthly. Mississippi and Arkansas ranked second and third, with annual costs for couples with Social Security of $2,917 and $4,264, respectively. Fourteen states allow couples to retire with Social Security for under $10,000 per year. Hawaii is the most expensive, with annual costs of $74,333 with Social Security and $109,863 without. Data reflect populations 65+, cost of living, and national retiree cost averages through Sept. 4, 2025.

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