Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Houston is 18% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $61,538 in Houston.
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. Houston has a housing index of 89 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Houston costs $250,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Houston versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Houston scores 94 while Santa Fe scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Houston (96) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Houston is $52,338 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Houston.
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