Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
The default American retirement state — and still the #1 destination. No state income tax, no estate tax, year-round warm weather, and the country's largest retiree community.
The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle.
| No state income tax | Income tax | No state income tax |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| All retirement income state-tax-free | Pension treatment | All retirement income state-tax-free (since 2025) |
| 0.82% | Property tax (effective) | 1.93% |
| 7.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 0.00% |
| 102.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 109.7 |
| None (no estate or inheritance tax) | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Hot/humid year-round, especially May–October. Mild winters statewide. Hurricane season June–November. | Climate | Four full seasons including snowy winters. Mild summers (70–80°F), cold winters (often below 20°F). |
| Strong — large hospital systems statewide (Cleveland Clinic Florida, Mayo Jacksonville, AdventHealth). Above-average Medicare Advantage options. | Healthcare | Excellent — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is one of the top academic systems in the country. |
| The Villages, Sarasota, Naples | Top retirement cities | Portsmouth, Hanover, Wolfeboro |
$50,000 homestead exemption + 'Save Our Homes' 3% annual cap on assessment increases
Property tax exemption for elderly (varies sharply by town) with age 65/75/80 tiers
Florida: The default American retirement state — and still the #1 destination. No state income tax, no estate tax, year-round warm weather, and the country's largest retiree community. New Hampshire: The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle. The right choice depends on your income mix, climate preference, and whether state income tax matters more to you than property tax.
No, Florida does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, New Hampshire does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Florida's cost of living index is 102.8 (US = 100). New Hampshire's is 109.7. Florida is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Florida and New Hampshire in 30 seconds.
Open tax estimator →Tax data current as of 2026 publication. Rates and rules change annually — verify with a CPA before relocating. This page is educational and not personalized tax or legal advice.