FIRE Escape Velocity Calculator

Calculate your financial independence number and see what early retirement actually looks like. This free FIRE calculator uses AI to write a personalized retirement story based on your savings, spending, and where in the world you want to live — with cost-of-living adjustments for hundreds of cities.

Retire Abroad? See How Far Your Money Goes

Explore cost-of-living adjusted retirement spending for popular expat destinations. Our retire abroad calculator shows you how much less (or more) you'd need to retire in cities like:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a FIRE number?

Your FIRE number is the amount of money you need invested to live off the returns indefinitely. It's typically calculated as your annual expenses multiplied by 25, based on the 4% safe withdrawal rate. Once your investments reach this number, you've hit financial independence and can choose to retire early.

What is the 4% rule?

The 4% rule is a guideline stating you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio in the first year of retirement, adjusting for inflation each year, with a very high probability of your money lasting 30+ years. With $1,000,000 invested, that's $40,000 per year.

Can I retire abroad to reach FIRE faster?

Absolutely. Moving to a city with a lower cost of living can cut your FIRE number by 30–60%. Retiring in Chiang Mai, Lisbon, or Taipei could let you reach financial independence years earlier than staying in a major US city.

What does early retirement look like?

Early retirement means having the freedom to choose how you spend your time — passion projects, travel, volunteering, or simply a slower pace of life. This calculator generates a personalized AI story showing what your specific retirement could look like.

How much money do I need to retire early?

It depends on your annual spending and location. The common formula is annual expenses × 25. In the US that might mean $1–2M, but retiring abroad in Portugal, Thailand, or Taiwan could lower it to $400K–$800K. Use this calculator to get your personalized number.