Free Lean FIRE Calculator

Calculate the minimum savings needed to retire early on a lean budget with frugal living expenses.

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Minimum comfortable budget

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Lean FIRE Number

$750,000

Amount Remaining$450,000
Years to Lean FIRE0.4 years
Monthly Withdrawal$2,500

Lean FIRE Number vs Safe Withdrawal Rate

View formula & how it works →

Lean FIRE

Lean FIRE means retiring early on a below-average budget. The threshold is typically under $40,000/year (individual) or $60,000/year (couple) in expenses.

Formula

Lean FIRE Number = Lean Annual Expenses / Withdrawal Rate

At 4% withdrawal rate:

  • $25,000/year expenses = $625,000 needed
  • $30,000/year expenses = $750,000 needed
  • $40,000/year expenses = $1,000,000 needed

    • Lean FIRE Lifestyle

  • Housing: Low-cost area, paid-off home, or house hacking
  • Transportation: Used car, biking, public transit
  • Food: Cooking at home, minimal dining out
  • Entertainment: Free/low-cost activities
  • Healthcare: ACA marketplace, health sharing

    • Example Calculation

    $30,000 lean expenses, 4% withdrawal rate, $300,000 saved, adding $30,000/year at 7%.

    1. 01Lean FIRE number = $30,000 / 4% = $750,000
    2. 02Amount remaining = $750,000 - $300,000 = $450,000
    3. 03Saving $30,000/year at 7% growth
    4. 04Approximately 9 years to reach Lean FIRE
    5. 05Monthly withdrawal in retirement = $2,500

    Frequently Asked Questions

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