Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Omaha is 23% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $57,692 in Omaha.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Nebraska salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Omaha has a housing index of 76 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Omaha costs $230,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $250,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Omaha versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Omaha scores 97 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Omaha (96) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Omaha is $59,612 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Omaha.
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