Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Wichita is 28% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $53,846 in Wichita.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · Kansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Fe has a housing index of 153 while Wichita sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Fe costs $480,000 compared to $165,000 in Wichita, a difference of $315,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Santa Fe versus $900 in Wichita.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Fe scores 103 while Wichita scores 95. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Santa Fe (95) are higher than Wichita (92).
Median household income in Santa Fe is $61,982 compared to $52,428 in Wichita. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wichita.
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