Compare states
Florida vs Texas for retirement
On the 8 lines this page tracks, Florida and Texas split evenly. The decision usually comes down to your own spending, housing, income mix, and which city fits, rather than the state averages.
A green check marks the more retiree-friendly side on that line (lower cost, lower tax, or Social Security not taxed). Lower is not always better for you; these are state averages, not your plan.
Common questions
Florida vs Texas, answered.
Is Florida or Texas cheaper to retire in?
On the BEA cost-of-living index, Texas sits at 97 and Florida at 103, where 100 is the U.S. average. So the same basket of goods tends to cost less in Texas. Housing and your own budget still decide the real number.
Which has lower taxes for retirees, Florida or Texas?
Florida has no state income tax. Texas has no state income tax. Florida's average combined sales tax is 7.0% and its property-tax planning rate is 0.9%; Texas is 8.2% and 1.8%.
Does Florida or Texas tax Social Security?
Florida does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here. Texas does not tax Social Security benefits under the current state-tax summary used here.
Where is long-term care cheaper, Florida or Texas?
In the CareScout and Genworth 2025 medians, assisted living runs about $67,320 a year in Florida and $67,992 in Texas; a semi-private nursing-home room is about $124,100 versus $67,525.