Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Tempe is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $67,949 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Fe has a housing index of 153 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Fe costs $480,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Santa Fe versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Santa Fe scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Santa Fe (95) match Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Santa Fe is $61,982 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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