The 10 Worst States For Retirement

Some states offer it all—good schools and transportation, and public parks and plazas to relax with friends and families. But taxpayer-supported amenities may come at a price retirees can’t afford on a fixed income once they stop working, according to a study by Bankrate.com.

Whether seniors already live in a budget-busting state or are looking to relocate to one after they’ve punched the time clock one last time, they first need to know where their retirement savings will last longest, Bankrate says in a new report.

Bankrate examined public and private datasets across all 50 states using five categories related to the life of a retiree and weighted them according to their importance: affordability (40%); overall well-being (25%); quality and cost of healthcare (20%); weather (10%); and crime (5%). Each category was ranked separately to arrive at an overall state ranking.

Here, in ascending order, are Bankrate's 10 worst states for retirement:

10. Louisiana

While Louisiana offers lower property taxes and retiree-friendly tax incentives, the cost of homeowners insurance is above national averages. Louisiana ranks 16^th in affordability; 44^th in healthcare; 41^st in well-being; fifth in weather; and 48^th in crime.

9. Maryland

Maryland is one of the smallest-sized states, but it has outsized problems that include high property taxes, homelessness, and traffic congestion. Maryland ranks 46^th in affordability; 12^th in healthcare; 20^th in well-being; 14^th in weather; and 29^th in crime.

8. Colorado

Colorado doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, but sales and personal property taxes are high. Colorado ranks 41^st in affordability; first in healthcare; 28^th in well-being; 43^rd in weather; and 37^th in crime.

7. Texas

There is no state income tax in Texas, but the Lone Star State has some of the highest sales and property taxes in the nation. Texas ranks 28^th in affordability; 36^th in healthcare; 47^th in well-being; sixth in weather; and 38^th in crime.

6. North Dakota

Income tax rates are relatively low in North Dakota, but the state makes up for it by taxing retirement accounts and pensions. North Dakota ranks 26^th in affordability; 40^th in healthcare; 39^th in well-being; 48^th in weather; and 18^th in crime.

5. Massachusetts

Retiring in Massachusetts can be attractive, but also costly, and the cost of housing is the reason why. Massachusetts ranks 48^th in affordability; 27^th in healthcare; 11^th in well-being; 31^st in weather; and 10^th in crime.

4. Washington

Not only is housing in Washington expensive, the cost of living is pretty high, too. Washington ranks 47^th in affordability; second in healthcare; 30^th in well-being; and 34^th in both weather and crime.

3. California

The Golden State taxes most retirement income at a steep rate and has one of the highest state sales taxes. Housing costs are also among the nation's highest. California ranks 49^th in affordability; sixth in healthcare; 15^th in well-being; 12^th in weather; and 38^th in crime.

2. New York

New York City is one of the most expensive cities in the world, and New York State is just as pricey for retired workers. New York ranks 50^th in affordability; 30^th in healthcare; fourth in well-being; 37^th in weather; and 15^th in crime.

1. Alaska

Goods and services are about 5% more expensive on average in Alaska than they are nationwide. Alaska ranks 43^rd in affordability; 38^th in healthcare; 27^th in well-being; 50^th in weather; and 49^th in crime.

The full report can be viewed here.