Wisconsin Ranks Among Top 15 U.S. Retirement Destinations for 2026, Study Finds
A recent state-by-state evaluation has identified Wisconsin as a leading contender for retirees looking to stretch their savings and enjoy their golden years. According to a WalletHub report released this week, the Badger State clinched the 11th overall spot in the ranking of the best states to retire in 2026.
The personal finance company's analysis weighed three core dimensions critical for retirement planning: affordability, quality of life, and healthcare quality and access. These categories were further broken down into 46 individual metrics—from tax rates and cost of living to elderly-friendly amenities and hospital rankings—to compile a comprehensive score for each state.
"Rankings like these are a useful starting point for a deeply personal decision," said Michael Torres, a certified financial planner based in Madison. "Wisconsin's consistent performance across the board, without a major weakness in any single category, makes it a stable and attractive option for many. The blend of natural beauty, four-season climate, and relatively manageable costs is hard to beat in the Midwest."
The findings align with other recent data. Previous reports note the average retirement age in Wisconsin is 64, while a separate 2024 study suggested a retiree would need savings of approximately $825,000 to cover the state's average annual living cost of just over $55,000.
However, the report's broader implications sparked debate. Linda Chen, a retiree advocate from Phoenix, offered a more critical take: "These rankings often gloss over the on-the-ground reality. Sure, Wisconsin scores well on paper, but what about the brutal winters for older adults? What about access to specialized medical care in rural counties? It feels like a spreadsheet exercise that ignores daily life challenges and the affordability crisis hitting fixed-income seniors everywhere."
David Miller, a recently retired teacher from Green Bay, shared a personal perspective: "We considered moving south like everyone else, but when we crunched the numbers, staying put made sense. Our community is here, property taxes are predictable, and we're close to good hospitals. The ranking confirms our choice, though I wish it highlighted more about social connectivity for seniors, which is just as important as finances."
WalletHub's top 15 list for 2026 was led by Florida, Virginia, and Colorado. The full methodology and rankings are available on the company's website.
This analysis is based on a report originally published by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.