Retirement planning in the United States is heavily influenced by geography. A recent nationwide analysis by GOBankingRates shows that the minimum savings required to retire comfortably varies dramatically by state, largely due to differences in living costs, taxation, and regional price pressures.
The study calculates required savings using the 4% rule. It estimates annual living expenses for residents aged 65 and older, subtracts the average annual Social Security income of $22,437.24, and divides the remaining gap by 0.04 to determine the savings needed. The results reveal a dramatic gap between low-cost and high-cost states.
Data is current as of January 7, 2026.
Below is the complete table of all 50 states ranked by the minimum savings needed to retire comfortably.
Median retirement savings are far below the required levels in any state:
For those aged 55–64, the median balance of $185,000 is insufficient to retire in any state. Many retirees are heavily reliant on Social Security, which is projected to fund only 77% of scheduled benefits by 2033 if no reforms are enacted.
Here's a fully updatedarticle section with actionable saving tips for each tier of states. You can insert this right after the main tables:
Retirement planning isn't just about knowing how much you need. It's about taking actionable steps today to close the savings gap. Depending on your state's cost of living, strategies can vary. Here's a practical guide for different tiers of states:
Even in lower-cost states, retirees face gaps of $29K–$33K annually. To stay ahead:
With savings needs approaching $950K, planning becomes crucial:
Source: International Business Times UK
