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Retiring early seems to be on everyone's minds these days. The growing popularity of the so-called FIRE movement -- short for financial independence, retire early -- is a testament to how much everyone seems to be craving a slice of "the easy life." The good news is that in many U.S. states, what most people would call an "early" retirement is within reach. Although "full retirement age" for Social Security purposes isn't until age 67, the average retirement age in every single state -- with the exception of the District of Columbia -- is below 67. On average, retirees in the U.S. hang up their work boots at age 64, according to Money Talks News.
Read More: Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments Arent Enough to Pay Higher Costs for SeniorsFind Out: Heres Exactly How Much Savings You Need To Retire In Your State
Of course, to truly live a comfortable retirement takes more than desire -- it also takes a large chunk of cash.
If nothing else, this study proves two things. First, the state in which you live can play a big role in how early you can retire, as evidenced by the low average retirement ages across wide swaths of the South and Midwest. Next, it takes more than $1 million to have a comfortable retirement in any state in America -- or over $2 million in the case of Hawaii and the District of Columbia -- so it's important to work with a retirement advisor or the best 401(k) providers to help boost your savings as much as possible.
Check out when you can expect to retire, based on your state of residence.
Last updated: March 30, 2021
Birmingham, Alabama, USA downtown city skyline.
Average retirement age: 62
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $49,099
Retirement savings needed: $883,790
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Alaska, USA - August 12, 2016: Downtown Juneau with flowers in the foreground with painted wooden storefront buildings and the Red Dog Saloon.
Average retirement age: 61
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $79,249
Retirement savings needed: $1,505,740
Watch Out: 14 Key Signs You Will Run Out of Money in Retirement
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Tucson, Arizona, USA downtown skyline with Sentinel Peak at dusk.
Average retirement age: 63
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $58,327
Retirement savings needed: $991,560
Related: What Is a Roth IRA?
Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA - May 23, 2014: Historic Bath House Row at sunrise.
Average retirement age: 62
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $47,836
Retirement savings needed: $861,053
Read: 17 Biggest Budgeting Mistakes Youre Making
SAN FRANCISCO, CA -31 AUG 2017- The Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco is the oldest Chinatown in the United States and the largest Chinese community outside Asia.
Average retirement age: 64
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $83,279
Retirement savings needed: $1,332,457
Helpful: 19 Effective Ways To Tackle Your Budget
Centennial Colorado aerial view
Average retirement age: 65
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $60,357
Retirement savings needed: $905,350
Check Out: Best Cities To Retire on a Budget of $1,500 a Month
Hartford Connecticut in the fall
Average retirement age: 65
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $70,817
Retirement savings needed: $1,062,257
Read: Tips To Keep Your Finances in Order Without Sacrificing What You Want
State Capitol Building of Delaware.
Average retirement age: 63
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $58,418
Retirement savings needed: $993,101
Related: 17 Dumb Home-Buying Mistakes That Hurt Your Wallet
Washington's city street and post office tower at sunrise, Washington, DC, USA.
Average retirement age: 67
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $94,248
Retirement savings needed: $1,225,222
Try: 50 Easy Things You Should Do To Save Money
Naples, Florida, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
Average retirement age: 64
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $56,382
Retirement savings needed: $902,116
Stop Now: 50 Terrible Ways To Try and Save Money
Helen, Georgia, USA - May 7, 2013: The square in the Appalachian town of Helen.
Average retirement age: 63
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,066
Retirement savings needed: $851,122
Find Out: Things To Cut Out Right Now To Save Money During the Health Crisis
Palm tree silhouette at sunset, Hawaii, USA.
Average retirement age: 66
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $120,909
Retirement savings needed: $1,692,722
Read: 25 Tips for Saving Money With Your Spouse
City of Idaho Falls in Idaho State showing famous landmark church in autumn, USA.
Average retirement age: 64
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,962
Retirement savings needed: $847,388
Helpful: 16 Effective Ways To Trick Yourself Into Saving Money
Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois - Image.
Average retirement age: 64
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $54,657
Retirement savings needed: $874,507
Good To Know: 16 Splurges That Save You Money in the Long Run
Indianapolis, Indiana canal walk
Average retirement age: 63
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,697
Retirement savings needed: $861,848
Keep Reading: 25 Ways To Save 20% More of Your Paycheck Without Even Trying
Morning in Des Moines, Iowa.
Average retirement age: 65
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $52,399
Retirement savings needed: $785,982
Try: Cutting Out These 25 Expenses Will Save You $16,142.08 a Year
Wichita, Kansas, USA - Augusst 31, 2018: The confluence of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River at the Keeper of the Plains near downtown Wichita at dawn.
Average retirement age: 65
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $50,223
Retirement savings needed: $753,339
Learn More: Surprising Ways Gen Z and Millennials Are Worlds Apart Financially
Frankfort, Kentucky, USA town skyline on the Kentucky River at dusk.
Average retirement age: 62
Annual cost of a comfortable retirement: $51,082
Retirement savings needed: $919,469
Exclusive: Americans Savings Drop to Lowest Point in Years
The St.
Average retirement age: 62
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The Average Retirement Age in Every State - Yahoo Finance
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