IMO, the biggest difference in these kinda discussions is the cost of health care and med insurance. Some people have employer paid health plans, some depend on CHAMPUS, some (like us) pay for our own med insurance [to the tune of $10k/year, which is a big chunk of our total]. Some may even go without, hoping for the best
, usually youngsters.
Plus the differences in fed taxes. Is your pension taxable, and did you save your money as TDA, thus adding to your tax rate when you withdraw.
So when people mention their total costs, they may not be your apples.
Or so I think.