Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Knoxville is 25% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $56,410 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Santa Fe scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
Amazon affiliate links