Retire in United States vs Australia: The 2026 Freedom Comparison

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.

The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.

A rule of thumb suggesting you can withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually without running out of money over 30 years.

Yes, depending on your 'combined income,' up to 85% of your benefits may be subject to federal income tax.

Florida, Texas, Nevada, Washington, Wyoming, South Dakota, Tennessee, Alaska, and New Hampshire.

Expect to pay $500–$1,200 per month for a silver-tier plan through the ACA marketplace if retiring before Medicare age (65).

Long-term rates are 0%, 15%, or 20% depending on your taxable income level.

At 3% inflation, your purchasing power halves in roughly 24 years, making inflation-protected assets like TIPS essential.

Generally considered to be an annual spend under $40,000, usually requiring relocation to low-cost-of-living (LCOL) areas.

Yes, via Rule 72(t) (SEPP) or a Roth IRA conversion ladder, you can access funds early without a 10% penalty.

While safety varies by city, the US remains stable; suburban and rural areas generally offer very high safety scores.

In cities like San Francisco or NYC, a 1-bedroom apartment averages $3,200–$4,000 per month.

As of 2026, single renters generally need at least $660,000 in their superannuation to maintain a 'comfortable' lifestyle.

Yes, vacancy rates are below 1% in most capital cities; rents in Sydney for 1-beds average $600–$750 AUD per week.

The public healthcare system that provides free or subsidized care to citizens and permanent residents.

Individuals who hold an asset for more than 12 months generally receive a 50% CGT discount.

There is no direct 'Retirement Visa' for new applicants; you typically need a parent, partner, or significant investor visa.

A tax strategy where property investors can offset rental losses against their personal income, though it's under political debate in 2026.

Australia is incredibly safe, consistently ranking high on global peace and safety indices.

Expect to pay $150–$300 AUD per month for a standard policy, often used to avoid the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

Most urban homes have 100Mbps to 1Gbps speeds, though rural areas may rely on fixed wireless or Starlink.

Yes, especially for housing and eating out; however, high wages and a strong minimum wage balance this for workers.