Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
9% cheaper
Chicago is 9% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $68,590 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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