Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Charleston is 6% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $70,513 in Charleston.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charleston has a housing index of 127 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Charleston costs $380,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Charleston versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charleston scores 102 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charleston (104) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charleston is $65,872 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charleston.
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