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Numbers ยท 4 min read

How much money do I need to FIRE?

Less than you fear, more than a rule of thumb. Here's how to get your real number.

โ‚น2โ€“4 Cr

today's โ‚น, for many urban Indian households spending โ‚น50Kโ€“1L/month

Start from spending, not salary

Your FIRE number depends on what your life costs, not what you earn. Two people on the same salary can have FIRE numbers โ‚น2 crore apart.

Track three months of spending. Add yearly costs (insurance, travel, festivals) divided by 12. That's your real monthly number.

Adjust for life after work

Some costs fall away, others appear:

  • โ—Gone: commute, work clothes, EPF deductions, maybe rent or EMI if your home is paid off.
  • โ—New: health insurance (no more employer cover), more travel, hobbies.
  • โ—Rising faster: healthcare. Plan for medical inflation 2โ€“4 points above CPI.

Then multiply

Divide your yearly spend by a safe withdrawal rate. At 4% that's 25ร—, at 3.5% about 28.6ร—, at 3% about 33ร—. For India, where inflation is higher, 3โ€“3.5% is the safer choice.

Remember: that's in today's money. By the time you get there, inflation will have made the rupee figure much bigger. Our calculator shows both.

Try it on your numbers

Calculate my FIRE number โ†’

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Estimates, not guarantees. Projections assume steady average returns and inflation; real markets are bumpy, and returns are not guaranteed. This is an educational tool, not investment, tax or financial advice. See our methodology, assumptions & limitations ยท Last updated 25 October 2026.