Cost of living : 10 percent below U.S. average
Population : 4.67 million
Best city : Baton Rouge
PROS: With a below-average cost of living and plenty to see and do, Louisiana could be a great fit for some seniors. The state is filled with music and the tourist destinations of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. It is also known for its amazing food, interesting people and incredible natural swamps. There will certainly never be a dull moment.
CONS: Like many states in which the cost of living is low, the incomes are also low. The average per household for residents 65 and over is $50,744. That may make it difficult for retirees to afford necessities like healthcare, which is 2.1 percent more expensive than the national average.
Kentucky
Cost of living : 14 percent below average
Population : 4.51 million
Best city : Lexington
PROS: In the Bluegrass State, retirees have access to a low cost of living and great tax breaks for seniors. Social Security and up to $41,100 of additional income are tax exempt. Although it is important to note that Kentucky living may not be the healthiest...
CONS: Healthcare for seniors costs about the same as in other states, but senior health is not rated well in Kentucky. The state’s seniors have high smoking rates, are not physically active and many of them live in poverty. There is also a shortage of quality nursing homes to care for retirees.
Alabama
Cost of living : 13 percent below U.S. average
Population : 5.1 million
Best city : Orange Beach
PROS: The Heart of Dixie is the place to be for an affordable retirement. The average spending of retired couples on healthcare is 4.4 less than in other states, income tax is from 2 to 5 percent and Social Security benefits are not taxed. There are also no state property taxes for people over 65.
CONS: The state sales tax is quite high and even applies to food. The weather can be unpredictable in spring and the month of November with plenty of rain and thunderstorms. Like other southern states, Alabama gets very hot in the summer months. Keep in mind that southern Alabama is hotter than the north.
Connecticut
Cost of living: 24 percent above the U.S. average
Population: 3.6 million
Best city: Darien
PROS: Connecticut retirees have some of the highest income in the nation. They may still be able to live there in style despite the high cost of living, if they find a suitable retirement job.
CONS: Connecticut is actually one of the least tax friendly states in the country. Almost all of retirement income is fully taxed and some residents may even have to pay taxes on their Social Security benefits. The state doesn’t offer much in the way of other benefits to make up for this policy.
Wisconsin
Cost of living : 4 percent below U.S. average
Population : 5.9 million
Best city : Madison PROS: The Badger State offers a low cost of living and tax breaks on the retirement income of low-income residents. It also has some of the best cheese in the country, and if you’ve never tried a cheese curd you’re in for a treat.
CONS: Wisconsin is not especially tax-friendly and has the lowest average household income for residents 65 and over in the country. Social Security is exempt, but all other retirement income is taxed. To make matters worse, healthcare costs are higher than the national average.