The Average Retirement Age in Every State

John Csiszar
A rear view of senior pensioner couple standing by lake in nature.
A rear view of senior pensioner couple standing by lake in nature.

Retiring early seems to be on everyone’s minds these days. The growing popularity of the so-called FIRE movement — short for financial independence, retire early — is a testament to how much everyone seems to be craving a slice of “the easy life.” The good news is that in many U.S. states, what most people would call an “early” retirement is within reach. Although “full retirement age” for Social Security purposes isn’t until age 67, the average retirement age in every single state — with the exception of the District of Columbia — is below 67. On average, retirees in the U.S. hang up their work boots at age 64, according to Money Talks News.

Of course, to truly live a comfortable retirement takes more than desire — it also takes a large chunk of cash.

Get on Track: Most Tax-Friendly States To Retire

If nothing else, this study proves two things. First, the state in which you live can play a big role in how early you can retire, as evidenced by the low average retirement ages across wide swaths of the South and Midwest. Next, it takes more than $1 million to have a comfortable retirement in any state in America — or over $2 million in the case of Hawaii and the District of Columbia — so it’s important to work with a retirement advisor or the best 401(k) providers to help boost your savings as much as possible.

Check out when you can expect to retire, based on your state of residence.

Last updated: March 30, 2021

Alaska, USA - August 12, 2016: Downtown Juneau with flowers in the foreground with painted wooden storefront buildings and the Red Dog Saloon.
Alaska, USA - August 12, 2016: Downtown Juneau with flowers in the foreground with painted wooden storefront buildings and the Red Dog Saloon.

Alaska

  • Average retirement age: 61

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $79,249

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,505,740

Watch Out: 14 Key Signs You Will Run Out of Money in Retirement

West Virginia
West Virginia

West Virginia

  • Average retirement age: 61

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $49,439

  • Retirement savings needed: $939,341

Looking To Move? Key Signs You Should Sell Your Home When You Retire

The St.
The St.

Louisiana

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,695

  • Retirement savings needed: $948,503

See: How To Protect Your Retirement Savings During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Old Town Albuquerque New Mexico
Old Town Albuquerque New Mexico

New Mexico

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $51,556

  • Retirement savings needed: $928,181

Frankfort, Kentucky, USA town skyline on the Kentucky River at dusk.
Frankfort, Kentucky, USA town skyline on the Kentucky River at dusk.

Kentucky

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $51,082

  • Retirement savings needed: $919,469

Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown city skyline.
Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown city skyline.

Alabama

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $49,099

  • Retirement savings needed: $883,790

Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer.
Capitol park in Detroit downtown Summer.

Michigan

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $51,356

  • Retirement savings needed: $924,415

Read More: 27 Best Strategies To Get the Most Out of Your 401(k)

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA - May 23, 2014: Historic Bath House Row at sunrise.
Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA - May 23, 2014: Historic Bath House Row at sunrise.

Arkansas

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $47,836

  • Retirement savings needed: $861,053

Tulsa skyline with a park, pond, and fountains in the foreground.
Tulsa skyline with a park, pond, and fountains in the foreground.

Oklahoma

  • Average retirement age: 62

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $48,716

  • Retirement savings needed: $876,879

The barn on my family ranch in Pendleton, Oregon at dusk.
The barn on my family ranch in Pendleton, Oregon at dusk.

Oregon

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $78,439

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,333,467

Dawn At The Burnt Island Lighthouse - Image.
Dawn At The Burnt Island Lighthouse - Image.

Maine

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $66,752

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,134,778

yacht
yacht

Nevada

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $63,300

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,076,107

State Capitol Building of Delaware.
State Capitol Building of Delaware.

Delaware

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $58,418

  • Retirement savings needed: $993,101

Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.
Downtown Charleston, South Carolina in the early evening.

South Carolina

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $53,207

  • Retirement savings needed: $904,527

Tucson, Arizona, USA downtown skyline with Sentinel Peak at dusk.
Tucson, Arizona, USA downtown skyline with Sentinel Peak at dusk.

Arizona

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $58,327

  • Retirement savings needed: $991,560

Related: What Is a Roth IRA?

The historic Market House in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina was built in 1838.
The historic Market House in downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina was built in 1838.

North Carolina

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $54,687

  • Retirement savings needed: $929,686

The Roebling Bridge in Cincinnati in the summer
The Roebling Bridge in Cincinnati in the summer

Ohio

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $51,817

  • Retirement savings needed: $880,889

Helen, Georgia, USA - May 7, 2013: The square in the Appalachian town of Helen.
Helen, Georgia, USA - May 7, 2013: The square in the Appalachian town of Helen.

Georgia

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,066

  • Retirement savings needed: $851,122

Indianapolis, Indiana canal walk
Indianapolis, Indiana canal walk

Indiana

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,697

  • Retirement savings needed: $861,848

Columbia, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight.
Columbia, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight.

Missouri

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,247

  • Retirement savings needed: $854,197

Biloxi, Mississippi, USA at Biloxi Lighthouse.
Biloxi, Mississippi, USA at Biloxi Lighthouse.

Mississippi

  • Average retirement age: 63

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $46,993

  • Retirement savings needed: $798,874

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -31 AUG 2017- The Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in the United States and the largest Chinese community outside Asia.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -31 AUG 2017- The Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in the United States and the largest Chinese community outside Asia.

California

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $83,279

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,332,457

Buffalo is the second largest city in the state of New York and the 81st most populous city in the United States.
Buffalo is the second largest city in the state of New York and the 81st most populous city in the United States.

New York

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $77,911

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,246,578

Seattle, Washington, USA - July 6, 2018: Pike Place Market or Public Market Center in summer season, Seattle, Washington, USA.
Seattle, Washington, USA - July 6, 2018: Pike Place Market or Public Market Center in summer season, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Washington

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $64,636

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,034,174

Concerns: A Troubling Look at the State of Retirement in 2021

Barn near Helena Montana - Image.
Barn near Helena Montana - Image.

Montana

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $55,711

  • Retirement savings needed: $891,368

Naples, Florida, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
Naples, Florida, USA downtown skyline at dusk.

Florida

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $56,382

  • Retirement savings needed: $902,116

View of Erie Pennsylvania from Dobbins Landing.
View of Erie Pennsylvania from Dobbins Landing.

Pennsylvania

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $57,941

  • Retirement savings needed: $927,056

MADISON, WISCONSIN, USA - JULY 29, 2017.
MADISON, WISCONSIN, USA - JULY 29, 2017.

Wisconsin

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $56,434

  • Retirement savings needed: $902,942

Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois - Image.
Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois - Image.

Illinois

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $54,657

  • Retirement savings needed: $874,507

City of Idaho Falls in Idaho State showing famous landmark church in autumn, USA.
City of Idaho Falls in Idaho State showing famous landmark church in autumn, USA.

Idaho

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,962

  • Retirement savings needed: $847,388

downtown Jackson Hole Wyoming
downtown Jackson Hole Wyoming

Wyoming

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,330

  • Retirement savings needed: $837,287

Tennessee
Tennessee

Tennessee

  • Average retirement age: 64

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,186

  • Retirement savings needed: $802,977

Annapolis Maryland capitol
Annapolis Maryland capitol

Maryland

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $73,111

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,096,666

Work Plans: Chick-fil-A and 23 More Companies With Surprisingly Great 401(k) Plans

Hartford Connecticut in the fall
Hartford Connecticut in the fall

Connecticut

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $70,817

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,062,257

Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA - September 22, 2013: People walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk in NJ on September 22, 2013.
Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA - September 22, 2013: People walking the Atlantic City Boardwalk in NJ on September 22, 2013.

New Jersey

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $67,764

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,016,461

Providence, Rhode Island, USA park and skyline.
Providence, Rhode Island, USA park and skyline.

Rhode Island

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $67,594

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,013,904

The village of South Peacham nestled in the hill side of Vermont.
The village of South Peacham nestled in the hill side of Vermont.

Vermont

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $67,651

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,014,762

Laconia is a city in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States.
Laconia is a city in Belknap County, New Hampshire, United States.

New Hampshire

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $62,011

  • Retirement savings needed: $930,159

Centennial Colorado aerial view
Centennial Colorado aerial view

Colorado

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $60,357

  • Retirement savings needed: $905,350

High angle view of Roanoke Virginia with famous church in the background -- St Andrews Catholic Church.
High angle view of Roanoke Virginia with famous church in the background -- St Andrews Catholic Church.

Virginia

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $58,120

  • Retirement savings needed: $871,793

Minneapolis Minnesota cityscape view
Minneapolis Minnesota cityscape view

Minnesota

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $56,869

  • Retirement savings needed: $853,040

Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of the Fargo Theatre along Broadway N in the Downtown Historic District.
Fargo, North Dakota, USA - June 12, 2017: Daytime view of the Fargo Theatre along Broadway N in the Downtown Historic District.

North Dakota

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $57,060

  • Retirement savings needed: $855,904

Diminishing perspective on a high-angle view of towers and streets in the centre of Utah's State Capital, Salt Lake City.
Diminishing perspective on a high-angle view of towers and streets in the centre of Utah's State Capital, Salt Lake City.

Utah

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $54,363

  • Retirement savings needed: $815,449

Downtown Omaha skyline with the Heartland of America Park (with a lake and fall colored trees) in the foreground.
Downtown Omaha skyline with the Heartland of America Park (with a lake and fall colored trees) in the foreground.

Nebraska

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,439

  • Retirement savings needed: $786,583

Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.
Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,399

  • Retirement savings needed: $785,982

Austin Texas USA sunrise skyline cityscape over Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake with amazing reflection.
Austin Texas USA sunrise skyline cityscape over Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake with amazing reflection.

Texas

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,341

  • Retirement savings needed: $785,109

Don’t Miss: The Complete Guide to the Best Retirement Age

Wichita, Kansas, USA - Augusst 31, 2018: The confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River at the Keeper of the Plains near downtown Wichita at dawn.
Wichita, Kansas, USA - Augusst 31, 2018: The confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River at the Keeper of the Plains near downtown Wichita at dawn.

Kansas

  • Average retirement age: 65

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,223

  • Retirement savings needed: $753,339

Palm tree silhouette at sunset, Hawaii, USA.
Palm tree silhouette at sunset, Hawaii, USA.

Hawaii

  • Average retirement age: 66

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $120,909

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,692,722

Lobster Pot Restaurant in Province Town.
Lobster Pot Restaurant in Province Town.

Massachusetts

  • Average retirement age: 66

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $77,122

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,079,710

Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - October 06, 2018: Street scene of downtown Rapid City with buildings and businesses.
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA - October 06, 2018: Street scene of downtown Rapid City with buildings and businesses.

South Dakota

  • Average retirement age: 66

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $56,178

  • Retirement savings needed: $786,497

Washington's city street and post office tower at sunrise, Washington, DC, USA.
Washington's city street and post office tower at sunrise, Washington, DC, USA.

District of Columbia

  • Average retirement age: 67

  • Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $94,248

  • Retirement savings needed: $1,225,222

More From GOBankingRates

Methodology: GOBankingRates looked at the average retirement age in every state, as reported by Money Talk News on Sep. 29, 2019, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey and compared it with the cost to retire in each state. To find the cost of a comfortable retirement in each of the respective states, GOBankingRates analyzed consumption expenditures of Americans aged 65 and older, based on data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Survey 2019: (1) annual spending on groceries, defined as “food at home” by the BLS; (2) annual spending on housing, defined as “shelter” by the BLS; (3) annual spending on transportation, defined as “”Gasoline, other fuels, and motor oil” + “other vehicle expenses” by the BLS; (4) annual spending on healthcare; (5) annual spending on utilities, defined as “uilities, uels and other services” by BLS. These were then adjusted to every state’s itemized cost-of-living index, sourced from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center’s 2020 Quarter 3 average annual cost-of-living index. After calculating total necessities expenditures, an additional savings buffer was calculated by assuming that total expenditures covers 80% of one’s budget (50% for necessities and 30% for discretionary spending), with 20% left over for savings. All of GOBankingRates original data and analyses was conducted on Dec. 14, 2020.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: The Average Retirement Age in Every State

Advertisement