Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Santa Fe is 4% more affordable than Fort Lauderdale. A $75,000 salary in Fort Lauderdale is equivalent to $71,926 in Santa Fe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fort Lauderdale has a housing index of 155 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Lauderdale costs $380,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Fort Lauderdale versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fort Lauderdale scores 106 while Santa Fe scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Fort Lauderdale (99) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Lauderdale is $54,468 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Fe.
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