When it comes to retirement, not everybody is a couple. In fact, as of the 2023 U.S. Census, roughly 28% of people 65 and older in America live alone.
That’s roughly 16 million people. Back in 1950, one in ten lived alone in retirement. Blame it on divorce, never having married, or the death of a spouse, but either way, a growing number of older adults are going it alone.
As a result, where they live out their older years is important from a health care and cost-of-living standpoint. With one income, living in an expensive city may not be an option, and if they live in a place that doesn’t have easy access to health care, that can add an undue burden to their quality of life.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Recognizing those challenges, Caring.com came out with a list of the top three places for people over 65 living alone to live out their retirement. The study looks at the population of people over 65, the cost of living, the proportion of nursing and assisted living facilities, access to health care and costs in each state.
The study does not take into account weather, entertainment options, walkability, community, classes and culture when coming up with its best places to retire.
But if health care and cost of living are what really matter to you, these three states may be worth considering.
Arkansas tops the list
Solo Living Score: 8.57 out of 10
When it comes to the cost of living, Arkansas, otherwise known as the Natural State thanks to its abdudance of mountains, lakes and hot springs, has one of the lowest costs of living, with a score of 88.7 out of 100, thanks in part to low property taxes and affordable housing, according to Caring.com.
As for the number of nursing facilities per 100,000 people over 65, Caring.com puts that at 41.9, which it says is in the top 10.
Meanwhile, the state’s health care cost index score is 85.7, which is the lowest in the nation, according to Caring.com.
It doesn’t hurt that one in three residents of the state has Medicaid, which can defray the costs of health care. If you want to rent, you are in luck, too. The state average rent is $701 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Missouri comes in second place
Solo Living Score: 8.09/10
Missouri, known as the Show-Me State and popular for its Ozark Mountains, came in second. The state not only has a health care cost index score of 91.8, putting it in the top ten for the nation, but it also has access to top health care facilities in St. Louis.
The state is also in the top ten for its proportion of assisted-living communities, which is at 97.5 per 100,000 people over 65, according to Caring.com.
It also boasts a low cost of living and has an affordability score of 8.71 out of 10. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Missouri is $677 a month
Kansas rounds out the top three in third place
Solo Living Score: 7.98/10
Kansas, otherwise known as the Sunflower State because of the abundance of sunflowers grown throughout the state, ranked high in Caring.com’s survey. Kansas has the second-highest proportion of nursing facilities at 62.7 per 100,000 people over 65 years old. It's also affordable, with a cost-of-living index score of 87.
With no sales tax on food, getting healthy meals is affordable for older adults in this state. If you want to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Kansas, it won’t break the bank, coming in at $714 per month.
Related content
-
Think Twice Before Getting a Credit Card Cash AdvanceA credit card cash advance can be a quick solution when you need emergency help with money. But you'll pay for the convenience with high interest and fees.
-
What is AI Worth to the Economy?The Letter Spending on AI is already boosting GDP, but will the massive outlays being poured into the technology deliver faster economic growth in the long run?
-
The Rule of Two Lives in RetirementThe 'rule of two lives in retirement' means accounting for your partner at every decision point, because one life becomes two.
-
Retire in This Asian Country for a Warm Culture and Relaxed LifestyleWith its fabulous beaches, delicious food, and affordability, this Southeast Asian country is a haven for expats from around the world.
-
I'm a Financial Adviser: Three Things You Will Wish You Did Before the Fed Cuts Interest RatesWith potential interest rate cuts on the horizon, you might want to lock in today's higher yields and consider adjusting your asset allocation.
-
Get the Best Car Deal in Retirement: Here's the TrickPlanning on shopping for a new car this Labor Day weekend? Here’s how to haggle for a better price, even though you are retired.
-
Want to Visit Your Favorite National Parks in Retirement? Here's How.Exploring the breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife of America's National Parks offers retirees an adventurous way to soak in epic scenery and keep things exciting.
-
Average 401(k) Fund Fees and Expenses: Are You Overpaying?Average 401(k) fund fees and administrative expenses are, in some cases, shockingly high. But don't be misled by gloomy headlines. Here's the skinny.
-
Three Pros (and Four Cons) of Hiring Multiple Financial Advisers: The View From a Financial AdviserThere's nothing to stop you from working with several financial advisers instead of just one. But take a balanced view of the risks and rewards first.
-
How to Keep Your Work Friends After You RetireWork friendships can boost teamwork, lift your spirits, and make the job more fun. But when you retire, these friendships can fade. Here's a look at why that happens and what you can do about it.
