Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Colorado Springs is 10% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $67,308 in Colorado Springs.
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. Colorado Springs has a housing index of 115 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Colorado Springs costs $380,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Colorado Springs versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Colorado Springs scores 100 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Colorado Springs (104) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Colorado Springs is $64,712 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Colorado Springs.
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