The 10 cities where retirees receive the highest income

Published May 28, 2025 11:35 AM EDT 4 Min Read

Retirement income can vary drastically across the United States. In some cities, retirees enjoy an average annual income of more than $85,000 — over 50% higher than the national average, according to a new study.

Typical retirement income in the United States hovers around $54,000 a year — far below the median national household income of $80,610. But how much retirees can expect annually can range anywhere from $33,900 to $85,400 depending on the city, according to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by advisor lead generation and client matchmaking service SmartAsset.

• Total retirement income: $77,921
• Average income from retirement accounts: $54,319
• Average Social Security income: $23,602
• Percent of population age 65 and up: 13.61%
• Retiree reliance on Social Security: 30.3%
• Total retirement income in 2024: $60,819
• Year-over-year change: 28.1%

• Total retirement income: $78,186
• Average income from retirement accounts: $50,280
• Average Social Security income: $27,906
• Percent of population age 65 and up: 12.93%
• Retiree reliance on Social Security: 35.7%
• Total retirement income in 2024: $67,020
• Year-over-year change: 16.7%

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

Former Data Reporter

Elijah returned to Financial Planning in 2025 after working as a summer intern with FP in 2023. He earned an undergraduate degree from Berea College in Berea, Kentucky, and a master's degree in data … Read full bio

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