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.
Four-season retirement with proximity to DC, the Blue Ridge, and the Chesapeake Bay. Income tax applies but a meaningful age 65+ deduction softens it.
| No state income tax | Income tax | Progressive, top 5.75% |
| Exempt | Social Security | Exempt |
| All retirement income state-tax-free | Pension treatment | $12K age deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 0.82% | Property tax (effective) | 0.82% |
| 7.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 5.77% |
| 102.8 | Cost of living (US=100) | 101.4 |
| 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 distinct seasons. Mild winters in the south/coast; cooler in the mountains. Warm humid summers. |
| Strong — large hospital systems statewide (Cleveland Clinic Florida, Mayo Jacksonville, AdventHealth). Above-average Medicare Advantage options. | Healthcare | Excellent — UVA Health (Charlottesville), VCU Health (Richmond), proximity to top DC-area systems. |
| The Villages, Sarasota, Naples | Top retirement cities | Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Roanoke |
$50,000 homestead exemption + 'Save Our Homes' 3% annual cap on assessment increases
Real estate tax relief for elderly/disabled available in most localities — income limits vary
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. Virginia: Four-season retirement with proximity to DC, the Blue Ridge, and the Chesapeake Bay. Income tax applies but a meaningful age 65+ deduction softens it. 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, Virginia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
Florida's cost of living index is 102.8 (US = 100). Virginia's is 101.4. Virginia is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between Florida and Virginia 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.