California, the Golden State, is renowned for its sunshine, beaches, and entertainment industry. However, despite its allure, California ranks 49 out of 50 states in terms of retiree-friendliness. The primary reason for this is the state's exorbitant cost of living, which is driven by high housing prices, taxes, and healthcare expenses. Additionally, California's state income tax is among the highest in the nation, which can pose a significant financial burden on retirees. These factors can make it challenging for seniors to maintain a comfortable standard of living, even if they have saved diligently for retirement. Consequently, many retirees are forced to look elsewhere for a more affordable and sustainable retirement.

RANK	49
State	California
Sharecare Wellbeing Index	67
Zillow Average Home Value	$760,644
Senior Healthcare Rankings	0.076
Violent Crime Per 100K	442
State & Local Taxes	13.50%
Annual Avg. Temp (ºF)	59.8
Cost of Living Index	135.2