Side-by-side for American retirees in 2026.
The northeastern retirement haven for snowbirds who can't quite leave the seasons. No wage income tax, no sales tax, and pristine outdoor lifestyle.
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 (since 2025) | Pension treatment | $12K age deduction at 65+; Social Security fully exempt |
| 1.93% | Property tax (effective) | 0.82% |
| 0.00% | Avg combined sales tax | 5.77% |
| 109.7 | Cost of living (US=100) | 101.4 |
| None | Estate / inheritance tax | None |
| Four full seasons including snowy winters. Mild summers (70–80°F), cold winters (often below 20°F). | Climate | Four distinct seasons. Mild winters in the south/coast; cooler in the mountains. Warm humid summers. |
| Excellent — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center is one of the top academic systems in the country. | Healthcare | Excellent — UVA Health (Charlottesville), VCU Health (Richmond), proximity to top DC-area systems. |
| Portsmouth, Hanover, Wolfeboro | Top retirement cities | Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Roanoke |
Property tax exemption for elderly (varies sharply by town) with age 65/75/80 tiers
Real estate tax relief for elderly/disabled available in most localities — income limits vary
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. 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, New Hampshire does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
No, Virginia does not tax Social Security retirement benefits.
New Hampshire's cost of living index is 109.7 (US = 100). Virginia's is 101.4. Virginia is cheaper on average.
Enter your retirement income and see the after-tax difference between New Hampshire 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.