Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Richmond is 12% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $66,026 in Richmond.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Virginia salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Richmond has a housing index of 108 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Richmond costs $300,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Richmond versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Richmond scores 100 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Richmond (100) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Richmond is $50,120 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Richmond.
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