Retire in United States
Your complete guide to financial independence in United States for 2026
High earning potential, but requires the largest 'Freedom Nest Egg'.
💰
100%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$2,200
Average Rent
per month
📊
15.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
7/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in United States?
Lean FIRE
$690,000
For $2,000/mo lifestyle
Moderate
$1,035,000
For $3,000/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
$1,380,000
For $4,000/mo lifestyle
Luxury
$1,725,000
For $5,000/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 4.0% safe withdrawal rate and include United States's 15.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Citizen/Permanent Resident
Cost by Location Type
Urban
$3,300
50% more
Suburban
$2,200
baseline
Rural
$1,540
30% less
Cheaper Alternatives to United States
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about United States
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.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in United States based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →