Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
3% cheaper
Santa Fe is 3% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $72,521 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. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Santa Fe.
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