Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Austin is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $68,590 in Austin.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Austin has a housing index of 123 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Austin costs $430,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Austin versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Austin scores 96 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Austin (97) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Austin is $75,413 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Austin.
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