Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Santa Fe is 23% more affordable than Seattle. A $75,000 salary in Seattle is equivalent to $57,730 in Santa Fe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Fe has a housing index of 153 while Seattle sits at 224 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Fe costs $480,000 compared to $750,000 in Seattle, a difference of $270,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Santa Fe versus $2,300 in Seattle.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Fe scores 103 while Seattle scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Santa Fe (95) are lower than Seattle (109).
Median household income in Santa Fe is $61,982 compared to $97,185 in Seattle. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Fe.
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