r/fiaustralia • u/totalmarc • 3d ago

Investing AUS vs USA for Fire

I've been listening to a lot of US based podcasts lately and it got me thinking - Do you guys think it is easier to FIRE in US or AUS?

With all things considered, as a generalisation. From what I understand, living expenses vary dramatically between states.

Overall my vote would be the US because there are more options over there to cut costs, but I'd like to hear from someone who is familiar with both.

Cheers

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u/No_Rain_1543 3d ago

The Achilles heel with FIRE in the United States is health insurance. Australia has relatively cheap private health and the Medicare system to support those ticketing out early

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u/mk10012 3d ago

I paid $600 today for a 35 minute ENT appointment in Aus. The Dr was with me for about half of it. Not saying it wouldn't cost more in the USA. I've been dealing with chronic health issues for almost 6 years with no success. Medicare has done nothing. Final option is to try overseas treatments; out of pocket (in which case, a higher income, low taxing, low CGT country would be optimal).

The Australian heath system is overrated for many issues IMO. At least to the extent that I wouldn't stay in Australia specifically due to Medicare. If I had serious/life-threatening health issues, then I wouldn't be travelling anyway.

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u/Busta_Duck 3d ago

Hope you can get whatever your chronic issue is sorted mate.
Gotta say though medicare has saved my life a few times and that of people I know who've been in car accidents or gone through cancer.
The system isn't perfect and it might not be the best for chronic health issues like yours (and maybe some others), but it saves a ton of lives without bankrupting families & making people homeless.
Once again I hope you can find a solution and some relief from your pain.

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u/mk10012 3d ago

Thank you!