Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Madison is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $67,949 in Madison.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Madison has a housing index of 115 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Madison costs $340,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Madison versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Madison scores 101 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Madison (105) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Madison is $67,565 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Madison.
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