TSP vs Civilian 401(k) Comparison
See how your Thrift Savings Plan stacks up against a civilian 401(k). Compare government matching, ultra-low fees, and projected growth to make informed decisions about your retirement savings.
Your Retirement Details
BRS: Government auto-contributes 1% of base pay + matches up to 4% more (5% total free money)
Used to calculate BRS matching (19.0% of base pay contributed)
Annual salary
Typical range: 3-6% of salary
Historical stock market average: ~7% after inflation
C Fund — S&P 500 Index
Risk Level: Medium-High · Expense Ratio: 0.05%
Tracks the S&P 500, representing large and mid-cap U.S. companies. This is the most popular TSP fund and mirrors what most civilian 401(k) plans offer as their core U.S. equity option.
Fund selection is informational only. The projections above use the "Expected Annual Return" rate you set, which applies uniformly regardless of fund chosen.
Thrift Savings Plan
$1,757,546
Projected balance at age 60
Civilian 401(k)
$1,356,412
Projected balance at age 60
Projected Growth Over 32 Years
Year-by-year balance comparison (TSP includes existing balance and BRS match)
Year 1 (Age 29)
TSP: $50,098
401(k): $13,053
Year 2 (Age 30)
TSP: $66,280
401(k): $26,979
Year 3 (Age 31)
TSP: $83,623
401(k): $41,839
Year 4 (Age 32)
TSP: $102,210
401(k): $57,693
Year 5 (Age 33)
TSP: $122,132
401(k): $74,610
Year 6 (Age 34)
TSP: $143,483
401(k): $92,659
Year 7 (Age 35)
TSP: $166,367
401(k): $111,917
Year 8 (Age 36)
TSP: $190,893
401(k): $132,465
Year 9 (Age 37)
TSP: $217,179
401(k): $154,389
Year 10 (Age 38)
TSP: $245,351
401(k): $177,781
Year 11 (Age 39)
TSP: $275,546
401(k): $202,740
Year 12 (Age 40)
TSP: $307,907
401(k): $229,370
Year 13 (Age 41)
TSP: $342,591
401(k): $257,784
Year 14 (Age 42)
TSP: $379,764
401(k): $288,101
Year 15 (Age 43)
TSP: $419,605
401(k): $320,448
Year 16 (Age 44)
TSP: $462,306
401(k): $354,962
Year 17 (Age 45)
TSP: $508,071
401(k): $391,787
Year 18 (Age 46)
TSP: $557,120
401(k): $431,078
Year 19 (Age 47)
TSP: $609,689
401(k): $473,001
Year 20 (Age 48)
TSP: $666,032
401(k): $517,731
Year 21 (Age 49)
TSP: $726,417
401(k): $565,457
Year 22 (Age 50)
TSP: $791,137
401(k): $616,379
Year 23 (Age 51)
TSP: $860,501
401(k): $670,712
Year 24 (Age 52)
TSP: $934,844
401(k): $728,684
Year 25 (Age 53)
TSP: $1,014,522
401(k): $790,537
Year 26 (Age 54)
TSP: $1,099,918
401(k): $856,534
Year 27 (Age 55)
TSP: $1,191,443
401(k): $926,950
Year 28 (Age 56)
TSP: $1,289,536
401(k): $1,002,082
Year 29 (Age 57)
TSP: $1,394,670
401(k): $1,082,246
Year 30 (Age 58)
TSP: $1,507,348
401(k): $1,167,778
Year 31 (Age 59)
TSP: $1,628,113
401(k): $1,259,039
Year 32 (Age 60)
TSP: $1,757,546
401(k): $1,356,412
TSP Advantage Highlights
Fee Savings Over Career
$131,970
TSP 0.05% vs 401(k) 0.50%
BRS Match Value
$80,640
$210/mo in free contributions
Balance Difference
+$401,134
TSP ahead at retirement
Expense Ratio Comparison
The TSP's ultra-low expense ratio is one of its greatest advantages. Even a small difference in fees compounds dramatically over decades.
The TSP is 10x cheaper than the average civilian 401(k). Over 32 years, this saves you an estimated $131,970 in fees that would otherwise eat into your retirement savings.
Key Takeaways
The TSP has the lowest fees of any retirement plan in the country
At 0.05%, the TSP's expense ratio is roughly 10x lower than the average civilian 401(k). This difference compounds over decades and can mean tens of thousands more in your pocket at retirement.
BRS matching is free money - don't leave it on the table
Under BRS, the government auto-contributes 1% of your base pay and matches up to 4% more. That's $210/month in free money. At minimum, contribute 5% of base pay to get the full match.
You can keep your TSP after separation
When you leave the military, you do NOT have to roll your TSP into a civilian 401(k). You can keep it open and continue benefiting from the ultra-low fees. You can also roll civilian 401(k) funds INTO the TSP.
The G Fund is unique to TSP
The Government Securities Fund offers a return higher than short-term Treasury bills with zero risk of principal loss. No civilian investment vehicle offers this combination. It's especially valuable for conservative investors or those near retirement.
Start early - time is your biggest advantage
With 32 years until retirement, your $800/month contribution could grow to $1,757,546 thanks to compound interest. Even small increases in monthly contributions now have an outsized impact on your final balance.
2026 Contribution Limit: The 2026 annual TSP/401(k) contribution limit is $23,500 ($31,000 if age 50+).
Note: This calculator uses pre-tax (Traditional) contributions. Roth TSP contributions are taxed now but grow tax-free. Consider consulting a financial advisor about which option is right for you.
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates only for educational purposes. Actual returns will vary based on market performance, fund selection, contribution timing, and other factors. The TSP expense ratio of 0.05% is approximate and may change. Civilian 401(k) expense ratios vary widely by employer and fund selection. The 4% withdrawal rule is a guideline, not a guarantee. This tool does not account for taxes, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs), catch-up contributions, Roth vs Traditional options, or individual financial circumstances. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making retirement planning decisions. No data is stored or transmitted.