How much do you need to retire in Washington DC? Based on a local cost of living of $80,000/year, your FIRE target is $2,000,000.
Using the 4% rule — the most widely used FIRE guideline — retiring in Washington DC requires a portfolio of $2,000,000. This assumes you'll spend $80,000 per year and withdraw 4% of your portfolio annually, which historical data suggests can sustain a 30+ year retirement.
Washington DC residents pay approximately 8.5% in effective state income tax. Maximising pre-tax contributions to a 401(k) or IRA is especially impactful here.
The biggest levers: your savings rate and when you start. Saving 20% of take-home versus 10% can cut your time to retirement nearly in half. Starting at 25 instead of 35 can mean retiring a decade earlier.
Track your spending, model your investments, and see exactly when you can retire in Washington DC.
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