1. New York
According to the Council for Community and Economic Research's Cost of Living Index, New York is the most expensive place to live in the United States, to very few people's surprise. The borough of Manhattan snags the No. 1 spot of the most expensive urban area in the nation, with a cost of living index of 229.9.
That's compared to the national average of 100. The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens are also listed among the most expensive urban areas in the nation, with respective index rankings of 158.7 and 151.3.
However, for retirees looking to spend their older years in the Empire State, it's worth noting that New York state, on the whole, is rated as one of safest states to retire in the nation, based on crime statistics provided by the FBI.
New York is the second-safest state in the country to retire in by factors including fall-related deaths, violent crime, property crime, and fatal car crashes. For example, New York experiences just 49.4 fall-related deaths per 100,000 seniors, and just 8.1 older adults are involved in fatal car crashes per 100,000 drivers.
2. Honolulu
Of course, Hawaii is on your bucket list, but it might also be on your list of places you'd like to retire. You'll be spending a lot to live there, according to the Cost of Living Index, but you'll also get sand, surf, and beautiful ocean views.
Honolulu is the second most-expensive urban area in the nation with a cost of living index of 184.6, almost double the national average. On a more positive note, Hawaii ranks first in the nation for healthcare out of all 50 states.
In terms of other important metrics for livability, such as economy and infrastructure, Hawaii is ranked 42nd and 47th, respectively.
