Cost of Living Index 2025: Comparing 20 Global Cities for FIRE Families

When I first ran the numbers comparing Los Angeles to Lisbon, I expected Lisbon to be dramatically cheaper. Rent was indeed almost half, but groceries? Some weeks they were higher. That’s when I learned the big lesson of global FIRE planning: data is essential, but the lived reality matters even more.

This guide pulls together 2025 cost of living data for 20 global cities, but instead of leaving you with just tables and numbers, I’ll walk you through what they mean in practice. Because whether you’re a family eyeing Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, or Tbilisi, the question isn’t just “what does it cost?”—it’s “does this lifestyle work for us?”

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The Global Spread: From $2K to $11K per Month

Here’s the 2025 snapshot: a family of four with a moderate lifestyle (not bare-bones, not luxury) in 20 popular FIRE destinations. Costs include everyday expenses plus rent for a suburban 3-bedroom home.

City	Monthly Cost (Excl. Rent)	Rent (3BR Outside Center)	Approx. Total per Month
Ho Chi Minh City	$1,652	~$670	~$2,320
Chiang Mai	$1,973	~$500	~$2,470
Penang	$1,930	~$450	~$2,380
Kuala Lumpur	$2,125	~$500	~$2,625
Bali	$2,252	~$400	~$2,650
Tbilisi	$2,316	~$800	~$3,116
Bangkok	$2,345	~$800	~$3,145
Mexico City	$2,800	~$1,300	~$4,100
Porto	$2,884	~$1,620	~$4,500
Lisbon	$3,130	~$2,080	~$5,210
Prague	$3,251	~$1,545	~$4,800
Barcelona	$3,356	~$2,070	~$5,426
Tokyo	$3,606	~$1,290	~$4,896
Tallinn	$3,934	~$1,000	~$4,934
Vancouver	$3,927	~$2,880	~$6,800
Dubai	$4,036	~$3,080	~$7,120
Sydney	$4,171	~$2,600	~$6,770
Singapore	$4,335	~$3,500	~$7,835
New York City	$6,289	~$5,150	~$11,440
Zurich	$6,841	~$3,850	~$10,690

Range check: A family could live in Ho Chi Minh City for ~$2,300/month, while in New York City you’d need ~$11,000/month for something similar. That’s a fivefold spread—this is why geoarbitrage is so powerful.

But here’s the nuance: just because something’s cheaper doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for your family. Let’s talk tiers.

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Tier 1: Budget Havens (<$3K/month)

Think Ho Chi Minh City, Chiang Mai, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Bali.

For under $3,000/month, you get modern housing, cheap and delicious food, and affordable healthcare. A hawker meal in Penang costs less than a Starbucks latte. Kuala Lumpur gives you condos with pools for $500 rent.

But here’s the catch: if you want your kids in international schools, expect $10k–$20k/year in tuition. Add that in, and the budget isn’t so different from Europe.

👉 Best for: families with young kids (before school age), homeschoolers, or those willing to integrate into local systems.

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Tier 2: Mid-Range Cities ($3K–$5K/month)

Think Tbilisi, Bangkok, Mexico City, Porto, Lisbon, Prague, Tallinn, Tokyo.

This is the sweet spot for many FIRE families. Costs are still reasonable, but infrastructure and services are stronger. Healthcare is reliable, public transport works, and public schools may be viable if you integrate locally.

• Lisbon: ~$5,200/month, but healthcare is nearly free and public schools solid (Portuguese required).
• Tokyo: ~$4,900/month—surprisingly affordable compared to LA, with world-class safety and healthcare.

👉 Best for: families wanting balance—affordable, but with stability, safety, and services.

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Tier 3: High-Cost, High-Comfort ($5K–$8K+)

Think Vancouver, Dubai, Sydney, Singapore.

Here you’re paying premium prices, but you also get premium infrastructure. Singapore is ~$7,800/month, but where else can you find spotless streets, top schools, and hawker stalls selling Michelin-starred noodles for $5?

👉 Best for: families who’ve hit “Fat FIRE” or want to maximize comfort and stability, even if it costs more.

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Tier 4: Outliers ($10K+/month)

New York City and Zurich.

These aren’t FIRE destinations—they’re places to earn, not retire. But they remind us of the range: the same lifestyle that costs $2,500/month in Chiang Mai can top $11k in Manhattan.

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How to Use This Data (Not Just Stare at It)

Numbers are only half the story. Here’s how to turn them into action:

• Ask what stage of life you’re in. With toddlers, Southeast Asia might be perfect. With school-aged kids, Lisbon or Tokyo could be smarter.
• Look beyond rent. Housing is just one piece; schooling, healthcare, and travel matter more for families.
• Test before you commit. Do a 3-month trial in your top city. It’ll reveal things the data never will—like how your kids handle the heat in Bangkok or whether you’re comfortable driving in Mexico City.
• Build a buffer. Whatever the table says, add 20–30%. Families always find hidden costs: activities, flights home, birthday parties.

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Final Thoughts

The 2025 cost-of-living numbers are clear: your FIRE lifestyle could cost anywhere from $2,500 to $11,000 a month, depending on where you land. But the right choice isn’t the cheapest city—it’s the one where your family thrives.

For some, that’s Penang with $3 noodle bowls and a community of fellow expats. For others, it’s Lisbon, trading higher rent for free healthcare and European safety nets.

Use this index as your starting point, then layer in what matters most: schools, healthcare, community, climate, and culture. Because FIRE isn’t just about lowering costs—it’s about designing a life that feels rich, fulfilling, and sustainable for your family.

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