Retirement in the South comes with its own set of twists—a lot more than rocking chairs and sweet tea. Even within budget-friendly states, living costs can flip dramatically depending on the neighborhood. Tracking down the perfect spot means balancing comfort, healthcare options, and financial sense all in one move.
Alabama
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Trading rush hour traffic for front-porch sunsets sounds like a dream, but making it a reality in Alabama takes work. A middle-class retiree planning for 20 golden years needs about $364,868 in savings with Social Security in the mix or a steep $827,027 without it. Despite Alabama’s affordable reputation, healthcare and housing still deserve a close look.
Arkansas
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Tucked between scenic mountains and winding rivers, Arkansas offers more than just a pretty view. With a middle-class income falling between $39,182 and $117,546, the state’s affordability shines, needing about $321,482 in savings for a 20-year retirement alongside Social Security. Without that support, the target climbs to around $783,640. Adding to the good news, Arkansas skips taxing Social Security benefits.
Florida
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Financial breathing room makes Florida a standout. Middle-class retirees earning between $47,807 and $143,422 find plenty to smile about, with no state income tax draining their Social Security, pensions, or retirement accounts. Planning for a 20-year retirement means aiming for about $493,988 in savings with Social Security on board—or a steeper $956,147 without it.
Georgia
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Winding roads lined with oaks and small towns full of soul—Georgia serves up a retirement backdrop that’s hard to beat. Middle-class retirees pulling in between $47,807 and $143,422 should aim for around $533,362 in savings to enjoy two decades of downtime with Social Security helping out. Without it, the target leaps to $995,520.
Kentucky
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Kentucky keeps things kind to retirees’ wallets by skipping state taxes on Social Security and allowing those 65 and older to shield up to $31,110 of other retirement income. Middle-class earners between $47,807 and $143,422 should aim for around $370,068 in savings to enjoy 20 years with Social Security support or about $832,227 without it.
Louisiana
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A place where spicy food, soulful music, and deep traditions color everyday life—Louisiana serves up a retirement like no other. With the average home costing just $204,977, less than half the national figure, settling down here means getting more bang for every buck. To enjoy 20 comfortable years here, middle-class retirees would need around $338,148 in savings with Social Security support or close to $800,307 without it.
Mississippi
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There’s something about Mississippi that feels like a slow song on a front porch—steady, familiar, and easy on the soul. Retirees working with a middle-class income between $36,610 and $109,830 will find that about $270,042 in savings, with Social Security in the mix, can cover 20 golden years. Without those benefits, the mark rises to around $732,200.
North Carolina
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North Carolina knows how to spoil those who are ready for their next chapter. For middle-class retirees, stashing away about $469,895 with Social Security or around $932,053 without it sets the stage for 20 comfortable years. The state leaves Social Security benefits alone, while the lower-than-average housing and healthcare costs keep the good times rolling without breaking the bank.
Oklahoma
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Life’s essentials come with a smaller price tag in Oklahoma, from groceries to housing to healthcare. Middle-class retirees making between $42,402 and $127,206 should aim for about $385,882 in savings with Social Security in the mix, or around $848,040 without it. With a $10K retirement income exclusion for those 65 and older, Oklahoma quietly builds a strong case for an affordable, comfortable future.
South Carolina
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From the first salty breeze off the coast to the shade of centuries-old oaks, South Carolina sets the perfect stage for an unhurried retirement. Middle-class retirees with incomes between $44,545 and $133,636 should aim for around $428,748 in savings to enjoy 20 years of retirement alongside Social Security, or about $890,907 without it.
Tennessee
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Summers in Tennessee bring their fair share of steam and storms, but the cost of living stays refreshingly low. With middle-class incomes between $44,731 and $134,194, retirees eyeing 20 years of comfort will want around $432,468 in savings with Social Security or about $894,627 without it. Big names like Nashville and Memphis offer strong healthcare networks, while the state’s quieter corners might require more planning.
Texas
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There’s a certain swagger to retiring in Texas—like swapping stiff schedules for wide skies, backyard briskets, and endless room to roam. Middle-class retirees earning between $50,861 and $152,584 should plan to tuck away about $555,068 for 20 golden years with Social Security. With no state income tax gnawing at retirement checks, Texas lets you keep more of your earnings.
Virginia
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Some states hum with the past while keeping an eye on the future—Virginia just happens to do both with style. Retirees earning between $60,649 and $181,948 can aim for about $750,828 in savings for a 20-year stretch with Social Security, or around $1,212,987 if they don’t have it.
West Virginia
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West Virginia has a calm vibe stitched right into the hills, where life moves slowly, and dollars stretch a little further. Middle-class retirees with incomes between $38,611 and $115,834 should plan for about $310,068 in savings to cover 20 years with Social Security benefits. With Social Security taxes disappearing completely by 2026, West Virginia makes the financial side of retirement a lot easier to breathe through.
Delaware
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Daily life in Delaware stays budget-friendly, with low property taxes averaging just $1,939 annually. Those with incomes between $55,237 and $165,710 will need roughly $642,575 tucked away to cover 20 years of retirement alongside Social Security, or about $1,104,733 if flying solo without those benefits. With a $12,500 retirement income exclusion for those 60 and up, Delaware hands retirees a chance to enjoy better.
