California ranks among worst states to retire. Here’s why

Maureen Spranza marked her retirement with a party in August 2024. By December of 2025, the 60-year-old was back at work,  “un-retiring” as rising costs made retirement unaffordable. She now holds three jobs.

Moving from celebration to working six days a week was difficult and disappointing, she said, and meant putting personal projects and creative pursuits on hold — like writing a book.

It was a tough but necessary call — and one that reflects a growing reality for retirees across the Bay Area and California.