Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Phoenix is 15% more affordable than Santa Fe. A $75,000 salary in Santa Fe is equivalent to $64,103 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · New Mexico salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Santa Fe sits at 153 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $480,000 in Santa Fe, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,600 in Santa Fe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Santa Fe scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) match Santa Fe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $61,982 in Santa Fe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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