{"id":3138,"date":"2026-05-24T13:01:58","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T13:01:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/24\/california-is-one-of-top-5-worst-states-for-retirement-study-says-heres-why-2\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T13:01:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T13:01:58","slug":"california-is-one-of-top-5-worst-states-for-retirement-study-says-heres-why-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sandiegorelocationnews.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/24\/california-is-one-of-top-5-worst-states-for-retirement-study-says-heres-why-2\/","title":{"rendered":"California is one of top 5 worst states for retirement, study says. Here\u2019s why"},"content":{"rendered":"
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California offers everything from beach towns to bustling cities.<\/p>\n

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However, a recent report says it might not be the best state for folks looking to retire.<\/p>\n

Read more Builder created his own hidden gem in heart of Granite Bay, starting with a pond<\/a><\/p>\n

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According to a new study by retirement planning site Retirement Living, California ranks among the worst states for retirement because of its high cost of living and tax burden.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWith more Americans hitting retirement age than ever, that financial concern is entirely understandable,\u201d Retirement Living said in its November report. \u201cWhere you decide to spend your golden years can have a major impact on both your financial security and daily happiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

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To determine the best \u2014 and worst \u2014 states for retirement, the site analyzed factors including affordability, taxes, healthcare access and overall quality of life.<\/p>\n

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\u201cTwo retirees with the same savings can face very different outcomes depending on state taxes, housing costs, healthcare access and everyday expenses,\u201d Retirement Living said. \u201cThe right location can stretch your income further and give you more peace of mind.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s why California is one of the worst states for retirement:<\/p>\n

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BEHIND THE STORY <\/h3>\n

MORE <\/p>\n

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Why we did this story<\/h3>\n
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Our community-driven series \u2014 How to California \u2014 is here to answer your questions about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel in the Golden State. <\/p>\n

McClatchy\u2019s service journalism team, focused on helping our readers navigate daily life, works in communities across the state, including San Luis Obispo, Fresno, Merced, Modesto and Sacramento. <\/p>\n

Ask us your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 by emailing howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com or filling out a form here. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What is the worst state to retire in the US?<\/h2>\n

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According to Retirement Living, Hawaii was the worst state for retirement in the country.<\/p>\n

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\u201cWhile the year-round mild weather and natural beauty are undeniable, the cost of living is sky-high,\u201d the retirement site said.<\/p>\n

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The state\u2019s high income tax rate \u2014 up to 11% \u2014 adds to the financial strain.<\/p>\n

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Retirement Living estimates retirees would need about $1.7 million in savings to live comfortably in Hawaii.<\/p>\n

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However, the Aloha State still stands out for its quality of life.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe state has a low violent crime rate, abundant green spaces and a peaceful, scenic environment,\u201d Retirement Living said. \u201cFor retirees with a generous budget, Hawaii can offer a truly tranquil place to enjoy their golden years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Read more Want to beat the heat? Where to find spray parks and splash pads in Sacramento<\/a><\/p>\n

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Why is California ranked among the worst states for retirement?<\/h2>\n

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Retirement Living ranked California as the fifth-worst state for retirement, with the nation\u2019s highest state income tax rate at 13.3%.<\/p>\n

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The retirement site said retirees in California need an estimated $1.2 million in savings to enjoy their golden years.<\/p>\n

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However, California remains appealing to many retirees because it comes with a retirement lifestyle for just about everyone.<\/p>\n

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\u201cRetiring in California also means access to diverse landscapes, a rich cultural scene and countless lifestyle options,\u201d Retirement Living said. \u201cFfor most retirees, those perks come with a price tag that\u2019s simply out of reach, forcing some to relocate in search of affordability.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Where are the best cities to retire in California?<\/h2>\n

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According to Retirement Living, here are the 10 best cities to retire in California:<\/p>\n

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  1. Chico<\/li>\n
  2. Daly City<\/li>\n
  3. Clovis<\/li>\n
  4. Vacaville<\/li>\n
  5. Thousand Oaks<\/li>\n
  6. Huntington Beach<\/li>\n
  7. Roseville<\/li>\n
  8. Visalia<\/li>\n
  9. Santa Rosa<\/li>\n
  10. Ventura<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    What are the best states to retire in US?<\/h2>\n

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    Retirement Living said these are the top five best states for retirement in the country:<\/p>\n

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    1. Wyoming<\/li>\n
    2. West Virginia<\/li>\n
    3. Florida<\/li>\n
    4. Montana<\/li>\n
    5. Delaware<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      What are the worst states to retire in US?<\/h2>\n

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      According to Retirement Living, these are the five worst states for retirement:<\/p>\n

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      1. Hawaii<\/li>\n
      2. New York<\/li>\n
      3. Massachusetts<\/li>\n
      4. New Jersey<\/li>\n
      5. California<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        How did Retirement Living come up with its findings?<\/h2>\n

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        Retirement Living ranked all 50 states for retirees by analyzing each one on its quality of life, affordability and economic strength.<\/p>\n

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        Retirement Living used the most recent data available from government data and industry experts, including the , the U.S. Census Bureau and Tax Foundation.<\/p>\n

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        Have a question about life in California?<\/h3>\n

        How to California<\/b>\u2014 a guide to help you live, work and enjoy life in the Golden State, is here to help.<\/p>\n

        We\u2019ll answer your questions \u2014 big and small \u2014 about state laws, history, culture, recreation and travel.<\/p>\n

        Ask your questions in the form below (can\u2019t see it? Click here) or email howtocalifornia@mcclatchy.com.<\/p>\n

        Read more Sacramento swimmer is a 2028 Olympics hopeful. Can he break Michael Phelps\u2019 mark?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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