Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Cincinnati is 22% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $58,333 in Cincinnati.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cincinnati has a housing index of 76 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Cincinnati costs $195,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Cincinnati versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cincinnati scores 99 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cincinnati (96) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cincinnati is $44,003 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cincinnati.
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