Cost of living : 10 percent below U.S. average
Population : 6.16 million
Best city : Columbia
PROS: The low cost of living in Missouri, 10 percent below the national average, is extremely attractive to retirees. The Show-Me State is also a great destination for book lovers as the home of famous authors such as Maya Angelou, Mark Twain, and T.S. Eliot.
CONS: Although living in Missouri can be cheap, it may balance out with the low household income levels. For residents 65 and over, it is only slightly above $43K. The tax situation is a mixed bag and healthcare for seniors in not very good.
Pennsylvania
Cost of living : 3 percent below U.S. average Population : 13 million
Best city : Pittsburgh
PROS: Pittsburgh is the best city in America to retire in, according to Forbes. You can get almost anywhere on foot or by bike and there is a high number of doctors per capita. The state of Pennsylvania is also generally good for retires with tax breaks and reasonably priced healthcare.
CONS: Pennsylvania’s budget is not well balanced, which makes its future financial policies unclear. States that are economically unstable (like Kansas), may raise taxes, which could affect retirees. Pennsylvania’s fiscal health was rated 45 out of all 50 states by George Mason University.
Georgia
Cost of living : 7 percent below U.S. average
Population : 3.97 million
Best city : Athens
PROS: The Peach State is famous for its warm weather and low cost of living. It also offers relatively cheap healthcare for seniors, the sixth-lowest for couples in the U.S. There are also low state taxes, which could help retirees that need to stretch their limited budget.
CONS: If you think Southern living could be for you, be sure to prepare for the hot summers. They are long and humid, and most people stay inside during the middle of the day to avoid getting too sticky. And be sure to pack a lot of bug spray to keep the mosquitos in check!
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.