31. South Dakota
Cost of living: 4 percent above U.S. average
Population: 882,235 (as of 2018, says U.S. Census Bureau)
Best city: Hot Springs, says Niche.com
PRO: Kiplinger crowned this state as the “Most Tax-Friendly”. Other than its affordability, there are beautiful mountains and prairies for the nature-lovers amongst us.
31. South Dakota
CON: Just check that you can handle freezing weather and blizzards before deciding on moving here, and it is a petty rural state, as well as being one of the least populated, so if you love the big buzzing cities then this state may not be for you.
NEXT: “Cream of the West” is this states own version of oatmeal, which people have been enjoying since 1914.
30. Montana
Cost of living: 3 percent above U.S. average
Population: 1.062 million, says the U.S. Census Bureau
Best city: Glasgow, says Niche.com
PRO: This state may be cold but it is also gorgeous. Montana is home to natural wonders like Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, and according to Kiplinger, the state has one of the highest populations of overs 65s.
30. Montana
CON: According to Kiplinger, the Treasure State is “Not Tax-Friendly”, and with income levels below the national average and taxes on Social Security and on retirement incomes, this state might be a struggle for some retirees. If nature isn’t really your thing, then you may not have much to do in this state.
NEXT: This Southwestern state has “official neckwear”; the bolo tie.
