It’s hard to come up with a solid list of the best states to retire in because everyone has different wants and needs in their idea of the best place to retire. However, one of the universal items that retirees look for in what they consider to be their best state to retire in is financial stability and affordability.

We’ve already given you some of the best college towns to retire in, and even put together a list from CNN of the best places to retire, but what about the worst? Now, we aren’t saying these states don’t have other outstanding qualities for seniors looking to retire, but if you are looking for low taxes – like most seniors are – you might want to stay away from the following states.

California
State Income Tax: 1.25% – 10.55%
State Sales Tax: 8.25%

All forms of retirement income are taxed in California, with only social security being exempt. California is also home to one of the highest income taxes out of any American state. There are some benefits; food and prescription drugs are exempt from state and local sales taxes and real estate is assessed at 100% cash value. However, taxes on real estate is capped at 1% value and some of the local sales taxes can reach 10.5%.

Rhode Island
State Income Tax: 3.75% – 9.9%
State Sales Tax: 7%

Starting in 2010 Rhode Island initiated capital gains being taxed as ordinary income, which eliminated the lower capital-gains rate in effect in previous years. In addition, Rhode Island taxes social security as well as all other sources of retirement income. The good thing about this state is that, although the state tax is high, food, medicine, some clothing and precious metal bullion are exempt from it.

New Jersey
State Income Tax: 1.4% – 8.97%
State Sales Tax: 7%

Every cloud has a silver lining. Although New Jersey boasts the highest real estate taxes in the country, they do not tax social security or military pensions. They also keep groceries, medicine and clothing exempt from the sales tax. This state might still stay on your best states to retire in radar when it is mentioned that it also allows residents 62+ with incomes of $100,000 or less to exclude up to $15,000 ($20,000 for married couples filing jointly) of pensions, annuities and IRA withdrawals.

Vermont
State Income Tax: 3.55% – 8.95%
State Sales Tax: 6% (localities can add another 1%)

Whereas most of the states mentioned have allowed certain exemptions in their sales tax, Vermont does not offer that nicety. Out-of-state pensions are fully taxed, and there is a whopping 9% tax on prepared food, restaurant meals and lodging, and a 10% tax on alcohol served in restaurants.

Iowa
State Income Tax: 0.36% – 8.98%
State Sales Tax: 6% (localities can add another 1%)

Iowa’s social security tax is slowly but surely being phased out, but there are still enormous real estate taxes by multiple parties (cities, counties, etc.). The good news is that single retirees can exclude up to $6,000 of retirement-plan distributions from state income taxes, and married couples can exclude up to $12,000.