Best States for Early Retirement / FIRE

2026

Top 10 US states for FIRE-minded early retirees in 2026, ranked by combined tax-friendliness, healthcare access, and cost of living relative to amenities.

Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Ranked by combined FIRE-friendliness score

Composite score: state income tax rate (40%), effective property tax (15%), ACA-Marketplace plan availability and Medicaid expansion (15%), median home price as a share of national median (15%), and quality-of-life factors including healthcare access and outdoor amenities (15%).

  1. 1

    Florida

    Florida — 0% income tax, year-round outdoor lifestyle, no estate tax. Property tax 0.83% effective, but homeowner insurance now ~$4,200/yr post-2022 hurricane reforms. Largest 55+ retiree population in the country.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  2. 2

    Tennessee

    Tennessee — 0% income tax (Hall Tax fully repealed 2021), 0.55% property tax, low cost of living. Healthcare access uneven outside Nashville/Knoxville/Memphis triangle. No state estate tax.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  3. 3

    Wyoming

    Wyoming — Lowest overall tax burden in the country. 0% income tax, 0.55% property tax, 4% sales tax. Limited healthcare in rural counties; Yellowstone-area amenities are unmatched.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  4. 4

    South Dakota

    South Dakota — 0% income tax, 1.17% property tax, dynasty-trust-friendly laws. Banking-industry hub. Rapid City and Sioux Falls anchor healthcare; rural areas drive long for specialists.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  5. 5

    Nevada

    Nevada — 0% income tax, no estate tax. Las Vegas valley healthcare improving rapidly post-pandemic. Higher 8.375% combined sales tax. Reno-Tahoe rivals Florida for retiree migration in the West.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  6. 6

    Texas

    Texas — 0% income tax, but 1.68% effective property tax (7th highest). Prop 4 of 2023 raised homestead exemption to $100K. Strong healthcare in Houston, Austin, DFW, San Antonio Texas Medical Center hubs.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  7. 7

    Washington

    Washington — 0% income tax (with new 7% capital gains tax over $250K). Strong PFML, low estate tax over $3M. Seattle area home prices are a barrier; Spokane and Tri-Cities offer FIRE-grade affordability.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  8. 8

    New Hampshire

    New Hampshire — No tax on wages or capital gains. Highest property tax in the country (1.93%) is the trade-off. Excellent Boston-area healthcare access via Dartmouth-Hitchcock and MGH partnerships.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  9. 9

    Colorado

    Colorado — 4.4% flat income tax (one of lowest among taxing states), modest 0.45% property tax, paid family leave (FAMLI), strong outdoors. Higher COL in Denver/Boulder; Pueblo, Grand Junction more FIRE-friendly.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →
  10. 10

    Idaho

    Idaho — 5.695% flat income tax, 0.49% property tax, no estate tax, low COL outside Boise/Sun Valley. Rapid in-migration from California and Washington has pushed home prices up sharply since 2020.

    paycheck → income tax → property tax → cost of living →

Methodology note: This listicle is curated based on Q1 2026 data verified against each state's Department of Revenue + Tax Foundation 50-state reports. Rankings reflect tax structure and are not investment advice. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, and personal preferences should also factor into relocation decisions.