Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wilmington is 12% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $66,026 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Mexico salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Santa Fe has a housing index of 153 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Fe costs $480,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Santa Fe versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Santa Fe scores 103 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Santa Fe (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Santa Fe is $61,982 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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