The Midwest offers a pretty neat retirement package when it comes to stretching your dollars. In many Midwestern cities, you can snag a three-bedroom house for what you’d pay for a tiny condo in popular coastal cities. Plus, everyday expenses, including groceries, utilities, and car insurance, typically cost less in these states. You might feel like you can actually enjoy life—rather than pinching pennies.
In 2025, Investopedia and Travel + Leisure have identified the top 50 best places to retire in the U.S. to help you do just that, including 10 places in the Midwest. Our editorial staff evaluated each location based on income tax policies, proximity to a major airport, access to health care, and cultural activities.
But our main criteria was affordability, and our top picks for retirement destinations in the Midwest offer low cost of living combined with other features that could make retirement life more enjoyable and affordable…