Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Charlotte is 15% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $64,103 in Charlotte.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $150,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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