Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Santa Fe is 21% more affordable than Boulder. A $75,000 salary in Boulder is equivalent to $59,291 in Santa Fe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Boulder has a housing index of 230 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Boulder costs $750,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Boulder versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Boulder scores 107 while Santa Fe scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Boulder (104) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Boulder is $73,123 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Fe.
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