Why Minnesota Is One of the Best States to Retire in 2026

If you're dreaming of the day that you retire, like many Americans do, you may also dream about where that retirement would be spent. Would you spend it going on vacation? Would you move to a warmer state? Or would you stay right here in Minnesota?

If you said 'stay here in Minnesota', then you'd be making a great choice. Minnesota was just named one of the best places to retire for 2026!

ALSO READ: Minnesota is Sending the Second-Most Athletes to the Winter Olympics

Minnesota is a Great Place to Retire

There are many reasons that Minnesota made it in the top 5 best states to retire, according to WalletHub's study.

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They looked at many different factors, but the three main rankings were:

Affordability Rank

Quality of Life Rank

and Health Care Rank.

Out of those three, Minnesota ranked the highest in the Health Care Rank, coming in as the number 1 best state for health care for retirees. Our Quality of Life Rank was 7, and Affordability Rank was 33.

So even though we can get some nasty winters in Minnesota and some retirees might be looking to escape that, overall, Minnesota is a great place to retire, even if it's just for the great health care.

The Best States to Retire in the US

We know that Minnesota ranked within the top 5, but let's take a look at all 5 and see where we end up:

5. Minnesota

4. Colorado

3. South Dakota

2. Florida

1. Wyoming

I was surprised that all of the top 5, except for Florida, are in cold-weather climates! I guess moving away from the cold ISN'T always the best idea.