Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
San Antonio is 23% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $57,692 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $230,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while Santa Fe scores 103.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) match Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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