Analysis Reveals Disparities in Retirement Costs Across U.S. States
A recent analysis highlights significant disparities in the cost of living for retirees across the United States. According to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average annual expenditure for those aged 65 and older was $61,432 in 2024, marking a 2.2% increase from the previous year. However, this figure is substantially lower than the cost of living in the most expensive states for retirees. Hawaii tops the list, requiring an estimated $156,610 annually for a comfortable retirement, followed by California and Massachusetts. In total, 13 states, primarily in the West and Northeast, demand over $100,000 annually for retirees to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Conversely, states like West Virginia and Mississippi offer more affordable retirement options, with costs significantly lower than the national average.