Does moving somewhere cheaper (geographic arbitrage) really speed up FIRE?

Geographic arbitrage — earning or saving at high-cost-area levels and then living somewhere far cheaper — can dramatically cut the nest egg you need, because FIRE math is driven by annual spending. At a 4% withdrawal rate, every $10,000 of yearly expenses you cut reduces your target by roughly $250,000. Relocating from a high-cost coastal metro to a lower-cost city, state, or country can slash housing, taxes, and childcare, sometimes shaving years off your timeline or letting you retire on a smaller portfolio. Watch the tradeoffs, though: state income taxes, health-insurance options, proximity to family, and your own happiness all matter, and an unhappy move can derail the plan. Some FIRE households earn remotely from a high-paying employer while living in a low-cost area to capture both sides. Run a relocated budget at wealthserene.com/tools/budget-analyzer before committing.