Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Las Vegas is 14% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $64,744 in Las Vegas.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nevada salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Las Vegas has a housing index of 106 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Las Vegas costs $350,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Las Vegas versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Las Vegas scores 101 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Las Vegas (96) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Las Vegas is $56,415 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Las Vegas.
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