Lean FIRE Calculator

Calculate Lean FIRE retirement number based on minimum survival spending — geographic arbitrage, low-cost lifestyle, frugal independence. Methodology and assumptions documented below; sources cited.

Lean vs Regular FIRE

Lean FIRE targets $25k-40k/yr spending vs regular FIRE's $60k-100k. Achievable via geo-arbitrage (low-cost countries with $1,500-2,500/mo cost), extreme frugality at home (minimal car, paid-off small home, home cooking), or both. Lean FIRE numbers typically $625k-1M vs regular FIRE's $1.5M-2.5M.

Geo-Arbitrage Targets

Top Lean FIRE destinations 2026: Portugal D7 visa, Mexico residente temporal, Thailand long-term resident, Spain non-lucrative visa, Costa Rica rentista. Healthcare cost 10-30% of US for non-emergencies. Quality of life often higher than US suburbs. Tax treaties prevent double-tax for most US retirees.

Risks of Lean Math

Single-digit-percent SWR margins disappear in market crashes — 3.5% SWR Trinity studies show 90%+ success for 30 years but only 75% for 50+ year retirements. Healthcare inflation runs 5-7%, eating buffer. Plan for at least 10% buffer above minimum number, or be willing to return to part-time work in worst scenarios.

Last updated May 2026. Sources: Trinity Study, Mr. Money Mustache.