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Mississippi Tops Affordable Retirement States

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  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. ssissippi-tops-affordable-retirement-states.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, December 9th 2025 at 13:59 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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A Quick‑Fire Look at the U.S. States Where Retirees Can Stretch Their Dollars the Most

When you retire, your income usually becomes a fixed number—social‑security checks, pension payouts, and the occasional annuity or investment dividend. That means the smartest retiree isn’t the one who has made the most money, but the one who knows how to live comfortably on a predictable budget. Travel + Leisure’s recent feature, “The Most Affordable State to Retire,” takes a deep dive into that very question. By combining a handful of key metrics—housing prices, healthcare costs, taxes, safety, and climate—the article ranks the top ten states that let seniors get the most bang for a buck. Below is a streamlined, word‑by‑word summary of the article’s main findings and the rationale behind each rank.

How the Study Was Built

Before any state is crowned “affordable,” the piece explains that the author pulled data from several reputable sources:

1. U.S. Census Bureau & Zillow for housing affordability and median home prices.
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Health Insurance Marketplaces for average health‑insurance premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs.
3. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for state tax burdens on retirement income.
4. U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for housing‑affordability ratios.
5. AARP’s Retiree Tax Burden Report and the Retirement Living Index from Niche for a composite score.

Travel + Leisure’s author then weight‑balanced each of these inputs to produce a single “affordability score.” The higher the score, the lower the cost of living relative to the average retiree’s income.

1. Mississippi – The Gold Standard

Mississippi tops the list by a wide margin. The state’s median home price sits around $120,000, roughly one‑third of the national median. Combined with a 4% state income‑tax rate (and a blanket exemption for social‑security benefits), retirees can keep more of their money in hand. Health‑care costs are modest, too: the state’s average Medicare Part B premium sits at $140—about $30 less than the national average.

Beyond numbers, the article highlights the state’s welcoming southern hospitality and mild winters (rarely dropping below 50°F). For those who enjoy a relaxed pace, a handful of golf courses, and a growing foodie scene, Mississippi offers an affordable, lifestyle‑friendly option.

2. Arkansas – Comfort with a Touch of Nature

Arkansas lands in second place, thanks to a similar blend of low housing costs—median home prices hover around $155,000—and an even lower state‑income tax rate of 0% (only sales taxes apply). Health‑care is fairly robust: the state has several top‑rated hospitals in Little Rock and Fayetteville, and the average Medicare premiums are $150.

Arkansas pulls points for outdoor recreation. The Ozarks and the Arkansas River Valley provide a scenic backdrop that appeals to retirees who like hiking, fishing, or simply a more rural environment. The state’s “retire‑friendly” cities (Hot Springs, Fayetteville) also boast a growing array of senior‑focused community services.

3. Oklahoma – The “Big Sky” Bargain

Oklahoma falls third, with a median home price of $160,000 and a state income‑tax rate of 0% (again, sales taxes only). The state offers a strong network of senior centers and a low cost of prescription drugs thanks to its partnership with the Oklahoma Prescription Drug Assistance Program. The article notes that the state’s average Medicare premium is $140, and health‑care facilities in Tulsa and Oklahoma City rank consistently above the national average for quality.

Climate-wise, Oklahoma’s weather is more temperate than other “affordable” states, with mild winters and hot, humid summers—perfect for retirees who prefer a sunny, yet manageable, climate.

4. West Virginia – The Quiet, Cheap Haven

West Virginia rounds out the top‑four on the list, primarily because its median home price sits at just $100,000—the lowest on the page. The state’s income‑tax rates range from 1.5% to 3.4%, but a high exemption for retirees’ Social‑Security income keeps the effective tax load low. Medicare premiums average $145.

West Virginia’s big selling points, according to the article, are the Appalachian landscapes and the burgeoning “green” tourism sector. While the state has a higher poverty rate than the national average, the cost of everyday items—groceries, utilities, and transportation—stays well below the national mean.

5. New Mexico – A Scenic Stretch

New Mexico lands as the fifth‑most affordable state. Housing prices hover around $185,000, which is still cheaper than many of the West Coast states. The state has a flat income‑tax rate of 4.9% and a moderate sales tax of 5.125%. Health‑care costs are reasonable, with a strong focus on rural medicine and a growing number of wellness retreats.

Its “four‑season” climate—hot summers and cool winters—combined with abundant cultural heritage, makes New Mexico an appealing option for retirees who want a blend of history and outdoor activity.

6‑10. Other Affordable States

The article lists the following states (in order) as still worth considering:

• Tennessee – low cost of living, no state income tax, moderate housing prices.
• Georgia – affordable coastal towns, competitive healthcare, mild winters.
• Texas – no state income tax and a diversified economy; cities like Austin and San Antonio offer plenty of amenities.
• Louisiana – low median home price and a rich cultural scene, though healthcare costs can be uneven.
• Kansas – modest housing, low taxes, and a strong focus on senior services.

Key Take‑aways

1. Housing is the big driver. States with median home prices below $150,000 dominate the rankings.
2. Tax‑friendly policies (particularly zero or low state‑income tax) are essential for retirees who want to preserve their income.
3. Healthcare affordability plays a critical role; retirees should verify local provider networks before moving.
4. Climate and lifestyle matter, too. A state’s weather, recreational opportunities, and community services can offset a higher cost of living in other areas.

Travel + Leisure concludes that while “affordable” doesn’t automatically mean “invisible,” it does suggest that a retiree can enjoy a comfortable, worry‑free lifestyle while still having a few dollars left over for hobbies, travel, or a little extra indulgence.

If you’re planning your retirement and want to make sure your money stretches as far as possible, the article’s top‑ten list should be at the top of your research. Just remember that numbers are only one piece of the puzzle—visit a few of these states, talk to locals, and check out the senior‑specific services before you make the final decision.