Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Reno is 5% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $71,154 in Reno.
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. Reno has a housing index of 133 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Reno costs $450,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Reno versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Reno scores 102 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Reno (96) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Reno is $61,648 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Reno.
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