403(b) vs 401(k) Fee Impact Calculator (2026)
Enter your own numbers or use a preset scenario. The default values produce the $267,000 headline figure. Updated 17 April 2026.
Scenario presets:
High-fee plan (2.0%)
after 30 years
$639,517
Low-fee plan (0.1%)
after 30 years
$991,984
You keep more with low fees
$352,468
extra in the low-fee plan
What to enter for "403(b) fee": Add together your fund expense ratios plus any M&E charge plus any administrative fee. See the fee audit guide for how to find these numbers. Typical annuity 403(b): 1.5-3%. Typical 401(k) with index funds: 0.05-0.5%.
Calculations assume a constant annual return before fees with monthly compounding. Contributions are assumed constant throughout the period. Real-world returns and contributions vary. This is for illustrative purposes only. Not financial advice.