Retirement in Each of the Fifty States, Ranked

5. Mississippi

Mississippi offers retirees a very low cost of living and one of the cheapest tax structures in the country—despite its 7% sales tax. Southern Mississippi is rich in fishing villages and coastal drives, while the Delta region is steeped in musical history, often cited as the birthplace of blues and rock-n-roll.

Income levels are on the lower end, particularly for retirees, but so are day-to-day expenses. With just under 3 million residents and around 487,200 over 65, Mississippi combines affordability with Southern charm and culture.