13. Nebraska
Cost of living: 12 percent below the U.S. average
Population: 1.9 million
Best city: O’Neill
PRO: The Mercatus Centre from George Mason University ranks Nebraska sixth in the category of fiscal health, which is important for stability, as well as being able to enjoy a low cost of living in this state. Niche.com gave the city of O’Neill an “A” for retiree living.
13. Nebraska
CON: Although living costs here are low, that doesn’t mean the same for seniors’ taxes as most retirement income is taxed here. Social Security is taxed only if you make more than $43,000 for single filers and $58,000 for those who file jointly.
NEXT: The national park which gets the most visitors in the country is in this state.
12. Tennessee
Cost of living: 12 percent below U.S. average
Population: 6.5 million
Best city: Lookout Mountain
PRO: Tennessee doesn’t charge state income taxes so that can help your retirement income last a little longer. Healthcare is more affordable and the metro areas are all quite reasonably priced.
12. Tennessee
CON: The heat here in the summer can be quite stifling, occasionally going up to as high as 92 degrees Fahrenheit in July, plus humidity which can make it feel even hotter over the summer months. Bigger cities such as Nashville and Memphis can have some serious traffic too, which can mean getting out of town will require some patience and forward planning.
NEXT: This state was where the first traffic light in the U.S. was installed.
