Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Philadelphia is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $67,949 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Pennsylvania salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Philadelphia has a housing index of 107 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Philadelphia costs $240,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Philadelphia versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Philadelphia scores 104 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Philadelphia (101) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Philadelphia is $49,127 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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