$1 Million in Retirement? Here’s How Long It Lasts in Different States


Last updated: November 11, 2024

old_man_holding_money_in_his_handsRetirees with a nest egg of $1 million might find their golden years tarnished depending on where they live. A study from GoBankingRates reveals that in some states, even a cool million won’t stretch very far.

Take California, for example. With soaring costs for medical care and living expenses, retirees could deplete their $1 million savings in just over 12 years.

Annual expenses like $5,387 for groceries, $22,530 for housing, $5,202 for utilities, $6,283 for transportation, and $8,226 for healthcare quickly add up to nearly $80,000 a year.

New York isn’t much better, with the same amount lasting around 13 years and 8 months. The District of Columbia fares worse, with savings potentially running dry in just under 12 years—similar to Massachusetts.

Hawaii tops the list for the fastest depletion, with retirees there potentially spending their $1 million in a mere 9 years and 8 months.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Texas offers more favorable prospects, where $1 million could last over 18 years.

Southeastern states like Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, the Carolinas, and Florida all promise at least 17 years of security, with some nearing the 20-year mark.

The Midwest follows suit, with Iowa, Arkansas, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Illinois, and Indiana presenting similar longevity for retirement savings.

West Virginia claims the top spot, where $1 million can stretch to over 20 years, giving Mountain State seniors the best bang for their retirement buck.

This study underscores the stark differences in living costs across the U.S., reminding us that where you retire can be just as crucial as how much you save.

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Co-Founder & Chief Editor
Jon Morgan, MBA, LLM, has over ten years of experience growing startups and currently serves as CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Venture Smarter. Educated at UC Davis and Harvard, he offers deeply informed guidance. Beyond work, he enjoys spending time with family, his poodle Sophie, and learning Spanish.
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LJ Viveros has 40 years of experience in founding and scaling businesses, including a significant sale to Logitech. He has led Market Solutions LLC since 1999, focusing on strategic transitions for global brands. A graduate of Saint Mary’s College in Communications, LJ is also a distinguished Matsushita Executive alumnus.
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9 thoughts on “$1 Million in Retirement? Here’s How Long It Lasts in Different States

  1. Thanks for sharing. Never realized places like West Virginia can be so economical for retirees.

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