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Cost of Living in Santa Fe

Is it better to rent or buy in Santa Fe? 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

🏠
$2,894 /mo
P&I (6.5%)$2,456
Taxes & Ins$287
Est. Utilities$151
% of Income42.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,934

Cost of Living FAQs

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

Based on median housing data, renting is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Santa Fe. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $1,608, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $2,894 per month (a difference of $1,286).

How much do utilities cost in Santa Fe?›

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Santa Fe 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?›

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