2025 Best and Worst Cities for Retirement Features Repeat Winner (and Loser)

Just-released WalletHub report ranks 182 U.S. cities on 45 different metrics

Orlando is still the best U.S. city for a comfortable retirement providing a high quality of life without breaking the bank, according to personal finance company WalletHub, which today released its report on 2025’s Best & Worst Places to Retire.

WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 45 key measures of affordability, quality of life, health care and availability of recreational activities. The data set ranges from the cost of living to retired taxpayer-friendliness to the state’s health infrastructure.

“It’s important to choose wisely when picking where to retire, as many retirees are on a fixed income. As a result, the best cities for retired people are those that minimize taxes and expenses, as well as have good opportunities for retirees to continue paid work for extra income, if they choose to do so. In addition, the top cities provide high-quality health care and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees,” said WalletHub Analyst Chip Lupo.

That last part certainly seemed to come into play for the first two cities in this year’s “Best Cities to Retire” list, which appears on the following page.

There are a wide range of financial factors that need to be considered when someone is deciding where to spend their retirement, said Kenneth S. Shultz, Ph.D., Professor and Department Chair, Psychology; Faculty Affiliate of the Center on Aging, California State University, San Bernardino.

“Tax burdens in various states can vary widely. While some states such as Florida and Texas may not have state income taxes, their property and sales taxes tend to be higher,” he said. “Early in retirement, most couples look forward to expensive vacations (e.g., ocean cruises, international travel) that would require ready sources of cash, that may not be available if you just put a large downpayment on a new home for retirement.”

Schultz added that adult children and grandchildren, as well as aging parents, often need more personal and financial assistance than in the past. “As a result, you may need to consider these demands when deciding where you are going to live during your retirement years.”

WalletHub’s 2025 Best Cities for Retirement

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