The cost of retirement is reaching historic highs.
According to a new analysis by GOBankingRates, 23 states require at least $1 million in savings to fund a “comfortable” retirement.
The study calculates the monthly savings needed to retire comfortably in each state — if you start saving at age 20 (or 30). The analysis initially assumes a retirement age of 65 and a life expectancy of 85, meaning the typical retiree should have enough savings to last 20 years.
To find the cost of a “comfortable” retirement, the study doubles the cost of living figure in each state based on a 50/30/20 budgeting rule, which states that necessities should not exceed 50% of household income.
The underlying data is drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Missouri Economic Information and Research Center, which includes information on groceries, health care costs, housing, utilities, transportation and other miscellaneous expenses.
Hawaii tops the list as the most expensive retirement destination, requiring over $3 million in savings for 20 years of comfortable retirement.
Ironically, the earlier he starts saving to reach that 20-year retirement goal, the better. The difference in what you have to put away between starting to save at age 20 versus age 30 can be as much as $3,000 a month.
Here are the 23 states where a comfortable retirement costs the most: