Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Santa Fe is 28% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $54,167 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 Jersey salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Fe.
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