# Retirement Choice: Naples or Palm Springs?

> Retire in Naples, Florida, or Palm Springs, California? Tax breaks, weather, and lifestyle differences decide.
- Title: Retirement Choice: Naples or Palm Springs? · Kiplinger
- Summary: Retire in Naples, Florida, or Palm Springs, California? Tax breaks, weather, and lifestyle differences decide. Retirees choose between Naples' tax-friendly…
- Keywords: naples, palm springs, florida, california, retirement, taxes, golf, healthcare, hurricane, earthquake, lifestyle, Choice
- Source: Kiplinger — https://kiplinger.com/retirement/retirement-planning/would-you-rather-retire-in-naples-fl-or-palm-springs-ca
- Published: 2026-10-03T13:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: naples, palm springs, florida, california, retirement, taxes, golf, healthcare, hurricane, earthquake, lifestyle
## The Retirement Game
Would you rather retire in Naples, Florida, or Palm Springs, California? Both are sun-soaked, golf-mad havens for retirees.
## Naples: Golf Capital
Naples is the self-titled 'Golf Capital of the World' with the second-most golf holes per capita in the U.S.
## Naples Cost of Living
Naples has a cost of living 29% above the national average, but everyday expenses like groceries and utilities run close to the national norm.
## Naples Tax Breaks
Florida has no state income tax, no tax on Social Security, pensions, or 401(k)/IRA withdrawals, and no estate or inheritance tax.
## Naples Healthcare
Naples Comprehensive Health is a Mayo Clinic Care Network member and the region's only Joint Commission-accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center.
## Naples Weather Risks
Naples logged 53 days with a heat index of 105°F or higher in 2023 and faces hurricane season from June through November.
## Naples Insurance Costs
Home insurance averages $9,660 a year for $300,000 in coverage, with flood insurance a separate policy.
## Palm Springs: Desert Retreat
Palm Springs is a desert city with 300 days of sunshine a year and less than five inches of rain annually.
## Palm Springs Cost of Living
Palm Springs has a cost of living 29% above the national average, with median home prices around $590,000 and rents $1,480 to $1,970 a month.
## Palm Springs Taxes
California taxes pensions and 401(k)/IRA withdrawals at rates from 1% up to 13.3%, with most retirees landing near a 9.3% marginal rate.
## Palm Springs Healthcare
Desert Regional Medical Center is a Level II trauma center, and Eisenhower Health ranks as the #1 hospital in the Riverside County-San Bernardino metro.
## Palm Springs Climate Risks
Palm Springs faces earthquake risks from the San Andreas Fault and extreme drought, wildfire, and flash-flood risks.
## Palm Springs Lifestyle
Palm Springs has a median age of 57, is active and sociable, and has one of the highest concentrations of same-sex couples in the U.S.
## The Choice
Naples offers tax breaks and a traditional lifestyle but faces hurricanes and high insurance costs. Palm Springs provides active living and design but demands higher taxes.
## What Matters Most
Retirees choose between Naples' tax-friendly lifestyle and hurricane risks versus Palm Springs' active community and higher taxes based on their priorities.
## Key takeaway

Retirees choose between Naples' tax-friendly lifestyle and hurricane risks versus Palm Springs' active community and higher taxes.