Best Places For Living Single In Retirement
From cost of living to health care access, here are three states you may want to consider if you are single and retired, according to a new survey.


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.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.

Donna Fuscaldo is the retirement writer at Kiplinger.com. A writer and editor focused on retirement savings, planning, travel and lifestyle, Donna brings over two decades of experience working with publications including AARP, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Investopedia and HerMoney.
-
Stock Market Today: Dow Nears Record High After Verizon Earnings
The Nasdaq also notched a new high on Monday, while the Dow finished with a marginal loss.
-
I Live Next to a Costco Business Center. Here Are 5 Things You Won't Find at a Costco Wholesale
You don't need to own a business to shop at a Costco Business Center. Here are five reasons to visit the one near you.
-
The Five Most Expensive States For Retirees (And How Much Extra You Need)
Outliving your retirement savings is a real fear, especially if you live in these four states and Washington, D.C.
-
Could a Micro-Retirement Be the Refresh You Need?
Don't wait until you turn 65: Why more people are taking "micro-retirements," or short, strategic breaks, years before they retire.
-
How to Tell Your Own Story
Your life told well could be the best gift you can leave.
-
What Would You Like to Leave Behind? A Financial Planner's Guide to Family Wealth Discussions
Communicating about your assets and plans for passing them on increases clarity while preventing surprises and family disputes.
-
The Surprising Truth About Loneliness and Longevity
We've all heard about the epidemic of loneliness that can shorten lives and make retirement miserable. But there's more to the story.
-
Seven Financial Considerations When Downsizing for Retirement
With prices going up on everything, you may be looking for a cheaper place to live. To truly evaluate costs, take a hard look at taxes and intangibles.
-
I Have Plenty of Money: Why Do I Need a Long-Term Care Plan?
Long-term care planning, whether through insurance or self-funding, is crucial not only for financial protection but also to preserve family relationships and reduce the emotional and logistical burdens on loved ones.
-
How to Plan the Perfect Italian Dream Trip After 60
Proper preparation is everything for U.S. retirees when planning an Italy "trip of a lifetime."