FIRE Number for Reno, United States
United States
No State Income Tax, Lake Tahoe Access, and High-Desert Adventure
Reno has reinvented itself from a casino town into a thriving hub for outdoor enthusiasts and tech workers. Nevada's zero state income tax is a massive draw for FIRE retirees, and Lake Tahoe is just 45 minutes away. The city offers over 300 days of sunshine, a growing food and arts scene, and access to world-class skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. Housing costs have risen but remain well below neighboring California, making Reno a compelling tax-advantaged base for the financially independent.
Lean FIRE, FIRE, and Fat FIRE for Reno
Needed to retire here is the portfolio that, in a historical backtest, would have lasted your retirement at your chosen confidence and length. Status is the verdict for your portfolio. The 4% rule benchmark is shown underneath each figure for reference only.
Enter your real monthly healthcare cost and we'll use it across all lifestyle tiers — handy for VA/TriCare (enter 0) or when your ACA cost differs from our estimate.
| Lifestyle | Needed to retire here | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lean FIRE | $1.09M | $3,650/mo |
| FIRE | $1.86M | $6,200/mo |
| Fat FIRE | $4.65M | $15,500/mo |
Cost of Living Breakdown for Reno
All cost and FIRE figures assume a single adult.
Lean FIRE Lifestyle
$1.09MHousing takes over a third of the budget at around $1,250 for a one-bedroom in Midtown, and you need a car for daily life and Tahoe trips. You cook at home most nights and eat out casually a couple of times a week. The free hiking in the Sierra foothills and walks along the Truckee River keep things enjoyable. No state income tax helps, but this is a tight budget for Reno's rising costs.
FIRE Lifestyle
$1.86MA three-bedroom home in Somersett or Caughlin Ranch with Sierra views, ski passes at multiple resorts, and regular dining at places like The Depot and Campo. A late-model SUV handles mountain roads year-round. Tahoe is your regular weekend destination, and the budget leaves margin for travel and savings. No state income tax saves thousands annually compared to California.
Fat FIRE Lifestyle
$4.65MA large estate in Montreux or Arrowcreek with panoramic Sierra views, a lakefront property near Tahoe, full-time domestic help including a housekeeper and property manager, and a cook who comes in several times a week. First-class travel, concierge healthcare, and fine dining whenever you like are all comfortable. Zero state income tax on every dollar withdrawn makes this one of the more tax-efficient places to hold a large portfolio.
Retirement Confidence
The 4% rule is a great starting point. Here we go a step further and test your plan against real market history.
Enter your portfolio on the homepage to backtest a retirement in Reno against market history.
Backtest detail
How this is calculated
This is a real historical backtest. We run your plan through every retirement-length window in US market history (1871–2022): a 75% stock / 25% bond portfolio, rebalanced annually, with withdrawals raised each year for that period's actual inflation. The success rate is the share of those historical start years in which the money lasted the full length without running out.
Your confidence level sets the bar: at Balanced (90%), a survival rate of 90% or more reads "You can retire here", within 10 points below is "Close — worth a closer look", and lower is "Not quite yet". The same level sizes the "Needed to retire here" target. Retirement length also drives it — early retirees planning 40–50+ years see lower survival than the 30-year baseline.
Healthcare, Visa & City Overview
PST (UTC-8)
USD
English
52°F / 11°C
150+ Mbps average
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Frequently Asked Questions About Retiring in Reno
What is the FIRE Number for Reno, United States?
The FIRE Number for Reno ranges from $1.09M (Lean FIRE lifestyle) to $4.65M (Fat FIRE lifestyle). A FIRE retirement requires a portfolio of approximately $1.86M, based on estimated monthly costs of $6,200 and a 4% safe withdrawal rate.
How much does it cost to retire in Reno?
Monthly living costs in Reno range from $3,650 (Lean FIRE) to $6,200 (FIRE), covering housing, dining, groceries, healthcare, transportation, entertainment, and utilities.
What is healthcare like in Reno for retirees?
Healthcare in Reno costs approximately $650 to $725/month depending on coverage level. ACA marketplace Silver plan through Nevada Health Link.
What is the weather like in Reno?
Semi-arid high desert with four seasons; dry summers, snowy winters, and 300+ sunny days The average temperature is 52°F / 11°C.
How safe is Reno for retirees?
Moderate – safe in most neighborhoods; standard city precautions downtown
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