Retirees Need Six Figures in Some States to Live Comfortably
A new analysis reveals significant state-by-state differences in the income required for a comfortable retirement.
Retirees across the United States face varying income requirements to maintain a comfortable lifestyle, with annual needs ranging from just over $40,000 to more than $64,000, depending on the state.
A recent analysis by MoneyLion, utilizing data from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, determined the income needed for a single adult without children to retire comfortably in each state. The figures highlight a considerable disparity, with Hawaii demanding the highest income at $64,504 annually, while West Virginia requires the lowest at $40,627.
Americans typically draw retirement income from multiple sources, including personal savings like 401(k)s and IRAs, annuities, pension plans, and Social Security benefits. The average annual Social Security benefit was $24,852 as of January 2026, based on a monthly average of $2,071.
The analysis provides a detailed breakdown of income needs by state:
Northeast
In the Northeast, Massachusetts requires the highest income at $63,610, followed by New York ($62,167) and New Jersey ($56,884). Connecticut and New Hampshire also present higher requirements at $54,178 and $53,604, respectively. Rhode Island needs $52,024, while Vermont requires $51,831. Pennsylvania's comfortable retirement income stands at $48,515, and Maryland requires $53,949.
Southeast
Florida has an annual income requirement of $50,117 for a comfortable retirement. Georgia follows with $50,351, and South Carolina needs $46,469. North Carolina requires $46,745, and Alabama needs $43,814. Mississippi's requirement is $43,025, and Arkansas needs $41,615. Kentucky's figure is $42,040, and Tennessee's is $44,959.
Midwest
For comfortable retirement, Illinois needs $50,796, and Indiana requires $45,326. Iowa's income need is $44,273, and Michigan's is $45,914. Minnesota requires $48,475, and Missouri needs $44,244. Ohio's requirement is $43,674, and Wisconsin's is $45,504. North Dakota needs $42,874, and South Dakota requires $42,706. Nebraska needs $45,241, and Kansas requires $44,994. Wyoming's need is $44,614.
West
Hawaii leads with $64,504, followed by California at $63,402. Colorado requires $54,071, and Oregon needs $55,047. Washington's income requirement is $55,316. Arizona needs $50,900, and Nevada requires $50,259. New Mexico's figure is $45,607, and Utah requires $51,407. Idaho needs $49,091, and Montana requires $50,409.
Other States
Alaska requires $51,965 for a comfortable retirement. Delaware needs $49,484, and Maine requires $51,465. Louisiana's need is $42,378, and Texas's is $45,290. Vermont requires $51,831 and Virginia requires $53,505. Maryland needs $53,949.
These figures are crucial for individuals planning their retirement finances, especially in an environment of persistent inflation that can strain income streams.