If you’ve built up a $1 million nest egg, you might assume you’re set for retirement—but where you live could dramatically change that reality. In high-cost states, that same $1 million can disappear in under 12 years, while in more affordable regions, it can stretch close to 20 years. That’s a difference of nearly a decade of financial security, simply based on geography.
When it comes to retirement savings longevity, your expenses matter more than your total savings. Housing, healthcare, taxes, and daily costs vary widely depending on where you live. In expensive states like California or Hawaii, retirees face annual costs exceeding $85,000, quickly draining savings.
