16. South Carolina
Median home price: $138,400
Health care costs: 1% below the national average
Tax friendly
We start the list with South Carolina, which has the highest health care costs and third highest real estate prices on this ranking. Still, compared to many other places in America, Palmetto Sate is pretty affordable, especially if we take into account taxation. The state does not tax social security income, while pensions, both private and public, are partly taxed. Moreover, the state has very low property taxes (for $100,000 home value owners pay around $570). There are a few things that attract retirees to SC – slow pace of life, beautiful nature and sandy beaches, mild winters… Costs of living vary across the state and those who are looking to put some money aside should avoid Hilton Head Island, one of the favorite destinations of former America’s president Bill Clinton.
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