Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Atlanta is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $68,590 in Atlanta.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Georgia salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Atlanta has a housing index of 113 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Atlanta costs $350,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Atlanta versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Atlanta scores 104 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Atlanta (101) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Atlanta is $59,948 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Atlanta.
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