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Cost of Living in Santa Fe County

Is it better to rent or buy in Santa Fe County? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

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Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$81,936
$1,457/mo

Median in area: $1,457

$485,635

Median in area: $485,635

$97,127

If you Rent

🔑
$1,608 /mo
Base Rent$1,457
Est. Utilities$151
% of Income23.6%
Pre-tax Residual$5,220

If you Buy

🏠
$3,006 /mo
P&I (6.937%)$2,568
Taxes & Ins$287
Est. Utilities$151
% of Income44.0%
Pre-tax Residual$3,822

Compare Nearby Areas

See how Santa Fe County stacks up against neighboring areas.

countyLos Alamos County, NM
$1,361/mo
countyTorrance County, NM
$849/mo
countyRio Arriba County, NM
$783/mo
countySandoval County, NM
$1,480/mo
countySan Miguel County, NM
$772/mo

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Santa Fe County?›

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Santa Fe County. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,608, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $3,006 per month (a difference of $1,398).

How much do utilities cost in Santa Fe County?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Santa Fe County is approximately $151. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Santa Fe County?›

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Santa Fe County without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $64,320 per year.