I have no numbers in front of me, but I'm sure cost of living for over-65 is greater than for under-25, if only in terms of health care costs. It's subtly worse than that however: the 22 year old can roll that experience into their resume and make themselves more attractive to future, traditional employers. Talk to any out-of-worker 60 year old, and you'll hear tales of woe about ageism and "too experienced".