A quick calculator that estimates how much money you could save per year by moving from your current city to a lower cost-of-living destination abroad, factoring in housing, lifestyle costs, and basic tax treatment including FEIE.

The Estimator gives you a fast, conversational ballpark using city-level cost data. The full Simulator adds your real tax situation, FEIE optimization, deductions, investment accounts, and lets you compare up to 3 countries side by side.

Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning income in a strong currency (like USD) while living in a country with a lower cost of living, effectively multiplying your purchasing power and savings rate without earning more.

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion lets qualifying US expats exclude up to $126,500 (2024) of foreign earned income from US federal taxes. You generally qualify if you live outside the US for 330 days in a 12-month period or establish a bona fide residence in a foreign country.

The estimates are based on real city-level cost data from our own database. They are directionally accurate but not a substitute for personalized financial planning. Actual savings depend on your specific tax situation, spending habits, visa type, and lifestyle choices.

Choosing minimalist, local, or expat lifestyle maps to budget, mid-range, or comfort monthly spending tiers for your destination city. A minimalist lifestyle assumes cooking at home, public transport, and minimal entertainment. Expat lifestyle assumes dining out regularly, private healthcare, and higher comfort standards.

The quick estimator uses a simplified federal tax baseline. If you are leaving a high-tax state like California or New York, your actual savings will be higher than shown. The full Geo-Arbitrage Simulator accounts for state tax elimination when you establish residency abroad.

No. Most expats retain full US citizenship and simply live abroad. You remain a US taxpayer and must file annually, but tools like FEIE and the Foreign Tax Credit can significantly reduce or eliminate your US tax bill on foreign earned income.

Moving abroad does not affect your Social Security contributions or future benefits. You continue accruing credits if you are still working, and you can receive Social Security payments in most countries when you reach retirement age.

The cost of living comparisons and savings estimates apply to anyone. However, the tax calculations are built around the US tax system and FEIE. Non-US users will get useful cost-of-living savings estimates but should disregard the tax projections.

Start with cities that match your lifestyle priorities — beach, urban, climate, language. The estimator works best when you have a real destination in mind. If you are exploring options, check our city guides first to shortlist 2–3 candidates then run the estimator for each.

Yes, completely free with no account required. The full Geo-Arbitrage Simulator is also free, though future advanced features may require a Rewire Abroad account. We encourage you to share what you spend in your city to keep the data here accurate.

City cost data are done with our own research. Prices can shift significantly in fast-moving markets — always verify current rents and costs with local expat communities before making relocation decisions. We rely on YOU to share what you spend in your city to keep the data here accurate.

Run the full Advance GeoArbitrage Simulator for precise numbers, read the city guide for your target destination, connect with the local expat community, and consult a cross-border CPA before making any major financial or tax decisions.