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The Cheapest US Cities to Retire Early

Lower cost of living is the fastest way to bring your FIRE date closer. A portfolio that sustains you in Memphis, TN ($42k/year) requires only $1.05M—while the same lifestyle in San Francisco demands $2.75M. These 20 cities offer the lowest barriers to financial independence.

Cities listed
20
Avg annual cost
$44,955
Avg FIRE target
$1,123,875

Ranked by annual cost of living

RankCityStateAnnual CostFIRE Target (25×)State Tax
1Fargo, NDND$43,500$1,087,500Unavailable
2Toledo, OHOH$43,600$1,090,000Unavailable
3Bismarck, NDND$43,800$1,095,000Unavailable
4Cedar Rapids, IAIA$44,400$1,110,000Unavailable
5Topeka, KSKS$44,400$1,110,000Unavailable
6Wichita, KSKS$44,500$1,112,500Unavailable
7Springfield, MOMO$44,500$1,112,500Unavailable
8Charleston, WVWV$44,600$1,115,000Unavailable
9Baton Rouge, LALA$44,800$1,120,000Unavailable
10Laredo, TXTX$45,000$1,125,000Unavailable
11Norman, OKOK$45,000$1,125,000Unavailable
12Akron, OHOH$45,100$1,127,500Unavailable
13Dayton, OHOH$45,200$1,130,000Unavailable
14Des Moines, IAIA$45,400$1,135,000Unavailable
15Lansing, MIMI$45,400$1,135,000Unavailable
16Tulsa, OKOK$45,900$1,147,500Unavailable
17Fayetteville, ARAR$45,900$1,147,500Unavailable
18Iowa City, IAIA$46,000$1,150,000Unavailable
19Brownsville, TXTX$46,000$1,150,000Unavailable
20Sioux Falls, SDSD$46,100$1,152,500Unavailable

Compare another US FIRE path

Living costs and the lifestyle you want can change the portfolio you need. Use the comparison that matches your next decision.

FIRE number by state →Best states for FIRE →Most expensive FIRE cities →

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