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Key Takeaways
- Several top retirement spots in the western U.S. pair active lifestyles with housing costs below the national average.
- Washington and Alaska offer retirees a tax advantage with no state income tax, helping offset higher living costs.
- Some smaller Western retirement destinations may require longer travel for specialty healthcare or cultural amenities.
From affordable mountain towns to healthcare-friendly retirement hubs, the western U.S. offers plenty of appealing places to settle down.
These 9 destinations were among Investopedia’s 100 Best Places to Retire in 2026, which ranked communities based on cost, healthcare access, and lifestyle.
Top Retirement Destinations in the Western U.S.
The nine best retirement destinations in the western U.S. are:
- Casper, Wyoming
- Cheyenne, Wyoming
- Evanston, Wyoming
- Juneau, Alaska
- Omak, Washington
- Pasco, Washington
- Pomeroy, Washington
- Spokane, Washington
- Vancouver, Washington
We looked at the following states to make our picks: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. However, in some Western states, retirees must choose between affordability, especially housing, and access to cultural amenities or healthcare facilities.
Cost of Living and Other Considerations for Retiring in the West
Housing prices in some Western states are generally affordable, at least outside of California or major cities like Seattle. For example, the average home value in Evanston, Wyoming, was $304,759 in February 2026. In Pomeroy, it was $251,522, and in Casper, it was $301,892. All of these are lower than the national average of $360,591.
Some cities and larger towns, such as Vancouver, Washington, or Juneau, Alaska, do have higher home values, which increases the cost of living for retirees in those areas. But these higher prices are offset by other financial benefits like the lack of state income tax in Washington and Alaska, which keeps costs down for retirees. Retirees in these areas often also have access to other budget-friendly amenities, such as public transit systems in Vancouver and Pasco.
Healthcare is another expense retirees must budget carefully for, and difficulty accessing healthcare can increase these costs. All the retirement destinations on this list have local hospital systems, as well as other medical facilities. However, smaller or more remote areas, such as Juneau or Pomeroy, offer limited healthcare facilities. This can increase costs for retirees who must travel to access specialty care.
It’s also important for pre-retirees to think about the kind of lifestyle they want and how that will impact their everyday costs. For instance, since Western towns and cities are often known for their natural amenities, retirees can access an active outdoor lifestyle without needing to budget for a lot of travel.
On the other hand, while retirement destinations like Pomeroy, Washington, or Evanston, Wyoming, have manageable housing costs, they have fewer local arts and entertainment options. Retirees who value access to art galleries and theaters, for instance, may end up spending more on travel to enjoy those amenities in other areas.
Tax Benefits of Retiring in Washington State
Five out of nine places on this list are found in Washington State, and that isn’t a coincidence. Washington is a great tax destination for retirees since there is no state income tax, which can significantly stretch retirees’ money.
The state does levy a capital gains tax, but it doesn’t apply to capital gains from retirement plans such as pensions, 401(k)s, and IRAs. Washington also has a modest 0.75% effective property tax rate, which is helpful for retired homeowners on a fixed income.
The Bottom Line
Retiring in the West can give retirees access to lots of outdoor, active recreation, which can contribute to healthy aging while making retirement enjoyable. Many of the best places to retire in the West have affordable housing costs, while some of those with pricier housing often balance out the higher costs with other financial benefits like no state income tax or easy access to public transit.
However, depending on the town or city that you choose, you may end up with more limited access to cultural destinations or healthcare facilities. This can lead to higher spending to access these amenities in spite of low housing prices.
Read the original article on Investopedia
