Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Fort Worth is 19% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $60,897 in Fort Worth.
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. Fort Worth has a housing index of 87 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Fort Worth costs $270,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $210,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Fort Worth versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fort Worth scores 96 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fort Worth (100) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fort Worth is $62,187 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fort Worth.
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