Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
El Paso is 27% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $54,487 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $295,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Santa Fe (95).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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