Best and worst places to retire in 2026: See the ranking

For Americans approaching retirement, choosing where to spend their later years can be just as important as saving for them.

WalletHub compared more than 180 U.S. cities across 45 measures of affordability, activities, quality of life and health care to determine the best places to retire. 

Top 20 cities for retirees

1. Orlando, Florida
2. Miami, Florida
3. Tampa, Florida
4. Scottsdale, Arizona
5. Casper, Wyoming

See the full report here.

Florida the ideal state for retirees

Dig deeper:

Orlando ranked as the best U.S. city for retirees, followed by Miami, Tampa, Scottsdale and Casper. 

Orlando stood out for its tax advantages, recreational opportunities and access to senior health care, while Miami and Tampa also benefited from tax-friendly policies and numerous activities for retirees.

Many still expect to work after retiring 

Big picture view:

The study notes that many Americans are uncertain about their retirement finances, with nearly three-quarters expecting to continue working in some capacity after retiring.

Though more than half (61%) of those surveyed expect to have enough money to retire comfortably, only 21% were very confident. 

What they're saying:

"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," Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said. 

Lifestyle