WalletHub 2026: Wyoming Tops States, Orlando Leads Cities for Retirees

Key points

• Wyoming is ranked the No. 1 state for retirement, edging out Florida, due to its top-tier affordability, sixth-best quality of life, and low poverty rates among seniors.
• Kentucky is ranked the No. 50 (worst) state for retirement, with low scores in affordability, quality of life, and healthcare access.
• Orlando, Florida, is ranked the No. 1 city for retirement, followed by Miami, Tampa, Scottsdale, and Casper, Wyoming.
• The state-level study used 46 metrics across affordability, quality of life, and healthcare, while the city-level study used 45 measures across similar categories.
• Nearly 75% of Americans expect to continue working in some capacity after retiring, according to the city-level study.

Background

This ranking follows earlier analyses, such as an August 2026 Investopedia report, which found that couples need approximately $1.16 million to retire comfortably, with costs varying significantly by state. The current WalletHub study builds on this by providing a comparative framework for state and city selection based on specific lifestyle and financial metrics.

How outlets are covering it

Business Insider and FOX 13 Tampa Bay both report on the WalletHub findings but focus on different scopes: Business Insider highlights the state-level ranking, with Wyoming at the top and Kentucky at the bottom, while FOX 13 emphasizes the city-level ranking, with Orlando at the top. USA Today also covers the city-level ranking, noting that Florida cities dominate the top spots. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel provides a local perspective, noting that Madison, Wisconsin, ranked 11th among cities, while Milwaukee ranked 73rd. All sources agree that affordability and healthcare are critical factors, but they differ in their emphasis on state versus city-level data.

Why it matters

For Americans approaching retirement, choosing the right location can significantly impact financial security and quality of life. The rankings provide a data-driven framework for evaluating states and cities based on factors that directly affect retirees' budgets and well-being. As nearly three-quarters of Americans expect to continue working after retiring, the availability of paid work opportunities and tax-friendly policies become increasingly important considerations.

What to watch

Retirees and near-retirees may use these rankings to inform their relocation decisions, potentially leading to increased demand for housing and services in top-ranked areas like Wyoming and Florida. Policymakers in lower-ranked states may consider implementing changes to improve affordability, healthcare access, or quality of life to attract retirees. Future studies may incorporate additional metrics, such as long-term care costs or climate resilience, to provide a more comprehensive picture of retirement readiness.