Michigan’s low cost of living makes it an ideal state for cost-conscious retirees.
Those benefits could offset its harsh winters and other challenges.
Michigan usually isn’t considered a top retirement state like Florida. Instead, the Great Lakes State is often associated with harsh winters, aging infrastructure, and urban blight in struggling cities like Detroit. But according to The Motley Fool’s 2026 Best Places to Retire, Michigan is the fourth-best state to retire in after Florida, California, and Texas.
Image source: Getty Images.
Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks »
One of Michigan’s core strengths is its low cost of living. In our index, it has a cost-of-living score of 89 (out of 100), making it more affordable than Florida (79) and California (37) — and only slightly more expensive than Texas (94). Its housing prices are low, it doesn’t tax Social Security benefits, it doesn’t charge any estate or inheritance taxes, and it’s phasing out its state tax on most retirement and pension income. Those benefits could offset a lot of its other challenges.
In Michigan, the top places for retirees to settle down include Lapeer, Port Huron, and Oakland County. Its smaller, slower-paced towns are ideal for seniors, and the state offers good healthcare options — including the University of Michigan Health (Ann Arbor), Beaumont Health (Royal Oak), and Spectrum Health. Once winter passes, there are plenty of outdoor activities for retirees to enjoy along the Great Lakes throughout the milder seasons.
If you’re like most Americans, you’re a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known “Social Security secrets” could help ensure a boost in your retirement income.
One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more… each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we’re all after. Join Stock Advisor to learn more about these strategies.
The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
—
Blog powered by G6
Disclaimer! A guest author has made this post. G6 has not checked the post. its content and attachments and under no circumstances will G6 be held responsible or liable in any way for any claims, damages, losses, expenses, costs or liabilities whatsoever (including, without limitation, any direct or indirect damages for loss of profits, business interruption or loss of information) resulting or arising directly or indirectly from your use of or inability to use this website or any websites linked to it, or from your reliance on the information and material on this website, even if the G6 has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance.
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected]
