1
Miami, FL city guide. Population is 440,807. Median household income is $47,860. Median rent is $1,361.
Median Rent
$1,361/mo
Median Income
$47,860
State Tax
None
Sunny Days
0/yr
Relocation guide
Best U.S. Cities to Retire in 2026
Retirement is your opportunity to optimize for lifestyle rather than career. The best cities for retirees combine warm weather, low overall taxes (especially on Social Security and retirement income), affordable healthcare access, and a lower cost of living to help your savings last longer.
Ranked by: Warm climate, no income tax on retirement income, lower cost of living, healthcare access
Top cities for retirees
2
Nashville, TN city guide. Population is 682,646. Median household income is $65,565. Median rent is $1,250.
Median Rent
$1,250/mo
Median Income
$65,565
State Tax
None
Sunny Days
0/yr
3
Austin, TX city guide. Population is 944,658. Median household income is $78,965. Median rent is $1,415.
Median Rent
$1,415/mo
Median Income
$78,965
State Tax
None
Sunny Days
0/yr
4
Denver, CO city guide. Population is 706,799. Median household income is $78,177. Median rent is $1,495.
Median Rent
$1,495/mo
Median Income
$78,177
State Tax
4.4%
Sunny Days
0/yr
5
Portland, OR city guide. Population is 647,176. Median household income is $78,476. Median rent is $1,406.
Median Rent
$1,406/mo
Median Income
$78,476
State Tax
9.9%
Sunny Days
0/yr
Common questions
Which states don't tax Social Security?
About 38 states do not tax Social Security income, including Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Washington. Florida and Texas are especially popular for retirees due to warm weather and zero state income tax on all income types.
Is Florida or Texas better for retirement?
Florida wins on climate (warm year-round, no state income tax, ocean access). Texas offers slightly lower home prices and a different lifestyle. Miami rents ($2,200+/mo) are higher than Austin or Nashville. Both have zero state income tax, which is the biggest financial factor for most retirees.
What is the most affordable warm city to retire in?
Nashville, TN and Austin, TX offer the best combination of warm weather, no state income tax, and affordable housing relative to cost of living. Miami is warmer but more expensive. Denver offers 300 sunny days and a moderate flat income tax of 4.63%.
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