Most Affordable States for Retirees: West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Wyoming, Ohio

A study reported by Reader's Digest identifies five U.S. states as the most affordable for retirees, based on cost of living and housing. West Virginia stands out with the lowest average monthly mortgage payment, $1,000 less than the next most affordable state, and homeowners insurance averaging $1,009 annually, ranking fourth nationally. Its cost of living is 12% below the national average, and it has a 78.2% homeownership rate. Pennsylvania is noted as an affordable option in the eastern U.S., especially given the absence of Northeast and Pacific Coast states due to higher costs. Delaware is highlighted for its reasonable housing costs and homeowners insurance considerations. Wyoming adds geographic variety, appealing to those open to non-traditional retirement destinations. Ohio rounds out the list, reinforcing that affordable options exist beyond typical warm-weather locales. The rankings consider recurring expenses like insurance, which can significantly impact fixed incomes. The list provides a starting point for retirees seeking to stretch their savings.