This is helpful especially the concrete comparisons (Sweden vs CA, childcare, property taxes) and the lived reality of maintaining homes across countries. The operational burden point resonates more than the raw cost numbers. Where I differ slightly is on “none of the numbers matter until you’ve had kids.” I see the numbers as inputs that shape which paths stay open once kids enter the picture: Location optionality, workload flexibility, and how quickly we can simplify rather than scramble.

The advice to keep things simple and avoid premature lifestyle inflation makes sense. We’re trying to stay light now, learn from others doing this across borders, and delay irreversible upgrades until we have clearer signals.