Why This East Coast State With Beautiful Beaches Beats Florida For Retirement

Florida is a popular state for retirement, but there's a good reason retirees are leaving Florida and moving to other states. If you don't want to be among the retirees who regret moving to Florida, don't worry; you have other appealing options along the East Coast. One East Coast state, in particular, also boasts beautiful beaches and a laid-back vibe that rivals what you would might expect to find in the Sunshine State — Delaware. Perhaps most famous is the state's Rehoboth Beach, sometimes also called "The Nation's Summer Capital", which offers beautiful views and a lively boardwalk. Plus, this quaint state is significantly smaller than Florida which allows it to offer communities with small-town appeal — something retirees might be looking for in their golden years.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 21.8% of the state's population was age 65 and over in 2025, a number that's expected to grow to nearly 30% by 2030. This large retiree population can make it easy to connect with locals who share similar interests and hobbies. Delaware also offers several tax advantages that help make it more attractive to retirees on a budget — such as no sales tax, no tax on Social Security benefits, and no inheritance tax. And because Delaware has one of the lowest property taxes in the country — at 0.5% — as of March 2025, living in the state can reduce your overall tax burden compared to Florida, where property taxes are around 0.75%.

Neither Delaware nor Florida make the cut for best places for a retiree with no savings, but they can still be attractive options for those looking for top-notch retirement communities. With that in mind, the cost of living is similar in both states. In fact, according to My Life Elsewhere, Delaware is 10.8% more expensive than Florida. However, a heavily weighted expense in this calculation is the significantly more expensive childcare in Delaware — something most retirees don't have to worry about. More relevant expenses for retirees like housing, transportation, and restaurants are, on average, lower in Delaware than in Florida.

My Life Elsewhere found that housing costs are over 10% lower in Delaware than in Florida, while transportation is 5.5% less expensive. Meanwhile, eating out at a restaurant costs around 8.5% less. Groceries are another area where retirees can save more in Delaware. Staples like milk, eggs, and bread all come in at a lower cost, saving you money at the grocery store. All of this, combined with the state's beach-lined coast and small-town charm can make Delaware an excellent choice for your retirement years.