WalletHub Ranks Orlando No. 1 for Retirement Among 182 U.S. Cities, With Miami and Tampa Next
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
WalletHub Ranks Orlando No. 1 for Retirement Among 182 U.S. Cities, With Miami and Tampa Next
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 29
Summary
Orlando led WalletHub’s 2026 retirement ranking of the 182 largest U.S. cities, with Miami second and Tampa third, giving Florida the top three spots.
The study weighted affordability, activities, quality of life and health care equally, and Orlando stood out for low-cost in-home and adult day care plus strong access to geriatric care.
Florida’s tax structure helped drive the results: residents pay no state income tax and face no inheritance or estate taxes, boosting the appeal of retirement income and Social Security.
Scottsdale placed fourth despite ranking 114th for affordability, while Casper, Wyoming, rounded out the top five on low living costs.
At the bottom, Stockton ranked last and four of the five worst cities were in California; New York City was the least affordable.