Frequently Asked Questions About Climate and Retirement

Making a decision this big naturally comes with many questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries we hear from retirees who are exploring their options.

Is it cheaper to retire in a warm or cold climate?

There is no simple answer to this, as it depends entirely on the specific city and state, not just the general climate. It is a common misconception that all warm-weather locations are expensive and all cold-weather locations are cheap. For example, retiring in San Diego, California, is far more expensive than retiring in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Conversely, retiring in a resort town in New Hampshire could be more costly than retiring in a small town in Alabama.

The key is to move past the idea of “warm vs. cold” and focus on the overall cost of living for a specific location. This includes housing costs, property taxes, state income and sales taxes, utility bills, and insurance rates. A warm-weather state with no income tax might have sky-high property taxes and homeowners’ insurance that negate the savings. Always research the complete financial picture of a specific town or city you are considering.

How does climate affect health in retirement?

Climate can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, and the effects are highly individual. Extreme heat can be dangerous for people with heart conditions or high blood pressure. High humidity can aggravate respiratory issues like asthma and COPD. On the other hand, many people find that their arthritis pain is reduced in warm, dry air.

Cold weather brings its own set of health risks. The most significant is the danger of falls on ice, which can lead to life-altering injuries. Cold air can also be hard on the lungs. For mental health, the long, dark, and gray days of winter in some northern regions can trigger or worsen Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It is essential to discuss your personal health history with your doctor when considering a move to a new climate.

What is the “try before you buy” strategy?

The “try before you buy” strategy is a low-risk approach to making a retirement relocation decision. Instead of selling your current home and buying a new one based on a few short visits, you rent a property in your desired location for an extended period, typically six months to a year. This allows you to experience the area like a local, not a tourist. You will discover what the town is like during its least pleasant season—the oppressive heat of a Florida summer or the slushy, gray days of a Michigan March.

During this trial period, you can investigate healthcare options, test out drive times to airports and shopping, and see how easy it is to make new friends. It is a real-world test drive for your retirement life. At the end of the rental period, you can make a final decision with confidence, whether that means buying a home there, trying a different location, or deciding to stay where you are.