Six California cities have been identified as among the worst places to retire in the United States, according to a 2026 study by personal finance platform WalletHub. Fresno, California, ranked the lowest among these, coming in at 179th out of 182 cities surveyed.
Joining Fresno on the list of undesirable retirement locations are Stockton, San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga, Bakersfield, and Fontana. These cities represent more entries on the bottom 10 list than any other state. The study evaluated cities based on criteria including affordability, healthcare quality, recreational activities, and overall quality of life. Fresno, in particular, scored poorly in the categories of activities and healthcare, although it performed better in affordability and quality of life metrics.
WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo advised retirees living on fixed incomes to be particularly cautious when choosing a place to settle. "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," Lupo stated. "The top cities provide high-quality healthcare and offer plenty of enjoyable activities for retirees."
In contrast to California's presence on the worst-places list, Florida cities dominated the top rankings. Orlando, Florida, secured the No. 1 spot in WalletHub's 2026 study, followed by Miami and Tampa. Florida's appeal to retirees is partly attributed to its lack of state income tax, estate tax, and inheritance tax, making it an attractive option for those relying on savings.
Orlando was also recognized for its abundant recreational opportunities, including a high number of art galleries, music venues, and fishing facilities. The city also ranks among the nation's top 10 for specialized geriatric hospitals and per capita home healthcare facilities, according to WalletHub.
The top 10 retirement destinations identified by WalletHub include Orlando, Florida; Miami, Florida; Tampa, Florida; Scottsdale, Arizona; Casper, Wyoming; Atlanta, Georgia; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.