Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Naperville is 4% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $71,795 in Naperville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $50,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Naperville.
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