Picking where to retire? Virginia probably isn't on the top of your list—but perhaps it should be near the top. After analyzing all 50 states for retirement based on financial factors critical to retirees, from living expenses and taxes to health care costs and the fiscal health of already retired residents, the Old Dominion finished a surprising seventh (one spot ahead of perennial favorite Florida). Read on to learn why Virginia fared so well in our retirement rankings.
Virginia: #7 Best State for Retirement
Population: 8.3 million
Share of population 65+: 13.8% (U.S.: 14.5%)
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Cost of living: 7% above U.S. average
Average income for 65+ households: $59,869 (U.S.: $53,799)
Average health care costs for a retired couple: Below average at $408,950 (U.S.: $423,523)
Tax rating for retirees: Tax Friendly
Virginia is for retirees. Overall living costs are above average, but high household incomes among seniors—11.3% higher than the national average of $53,799, to be exact—should be able to cover the spread. Plus, health care costs, a particularly worrying budget item for retirees, actually tend to be relatively affordable, with a retired couple in the state expected to pay 3.4% less than the average couple in the U.S. Plus, the Old Dominion doesn't tax Social Security benefits and allows residents 65 and older to deduct income up to $12,000 per person, depending on their income levels.
Learn more about how we ranked all 50 states for retirement including our methodology and data sources.
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