How much money you need to retire comfortably in every U.S. state

While U.S. retirees might move states to be closer to family or for warmer weather, living costs can be a big factor, too.

The annual cost to retire comfortably varies by as much as $66,000 between states — with Hawaii costing the most by far — according to a recent GOBankingRates analysis of retirement expenses in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

To determine the annual retirement costs for Americans aged 65 and older in each state, the study used Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates for food, shelter, transportation, health care and utility costs. An additional cash buffer of 20% of that total was added to ensure that retirees would be “comfortable,” according to the study.

Hawaii has the highest annual retirement expenses in the country, costing retirees an estimated $121,228 annually. It’s also the only state or district where retirees need to spend six figures.

The Aloha state’s cost of living is high for all residents largely due to higher transportation expenditures, as most goods are shipped in by sea. Those extra costs are passed on to consumers through higher-priced goods. Land in Hawaii is both desirable and limited, which accounts for some of the highest housing costs in the country.

Hawaii contrasts sharply with Mississippi, which has the lowest retirement expenses in the country, costing retirees $55,074 annually.

In Mississippi, home prices and property taxes are among the lowest in the U.S., which helps keep retirement costs low.

As with Mississippi, states with the lowest retirement costs tend to be rural. Such states include Alabama, Oklahoma, Iowa and West Virginia. In rural states, home prices tend to be cheaper compared to states with large urban hubs where homes are in greater demand.

Below are the annual retirement expenses for all states, in alphabetical order.  

• Total expenditures: $45,415
• 20% comfort buffer: $11,354
• Cost of a comfortable retirement annually:…