Across America, the most affordable states to retire are in the South. For 20 years of retirement in Mississippi, a middle-class couple needs only about $270,000 after Social Security, according to recent GOBankingRates research.
Amount needed for 20-year retirement with Social Security: $555,068
Amount needed for 20-year retirement without Social Security: $1,017,227
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Middle-class income range: $60,649 to $181,948
Amount needed for 20-year retirement with Social Security: $750,828
Amount needed for 20-year retirement without Social Security: $1,212,987
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Middle-class income range: $38,611 to $115,834
Amount needed for 20-year retirement with Social Security: $310,068
Amount needed for 20-year retirement without Social Security: $772,227
Methodology: For this study, GOBankingRates analyzed each state to find out how much you will need saved for retirement. First GOBankingRates found total population, population ages 65 and over, total households, and household median income, all sourced from the U.S. Census American Community Survey. Using the cost of living for each state, as sourced from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, and the average cost of living for retired residents, as sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average expenditure costs were calculated for each state. The average single-family home value from December 2024 was sourced from Zillow Home Value Index and the average mortgage cost was calculated (assuming a 10% down payment and using the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate, as sourced from the Federal Reserve Economic Research). Using the average mortgage and average expenditure costs, the average cost of living was calculated. Middle-class income is defined by Pew Research Center as two-thirds to double the national median income. The minimum income needed to be middle class was calculated and the savings needed to retire was calculated. The average income for one person was sourced from the Social Security Administration for December 2024, and the retirement savings needed after Social Security benefits was calculated. All data was collected on and is up to date as of Jan. 24, 2025.
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