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© 2026 WealthSpott. Independent reviews, no sponsored rankings.

ToolsCheapest NearSanta Fe

Affordable Alternatives to Santa Fe

Cities ranked by lifestyle match — walkability, job market, and cost of living — not just the cheapest price tag.

COL Index99100 = US avg
1BR Rent$1,550/mo
Walk Score42/100
State Income Tax4.9%

Best overall alternatives

Ranked by lifestyle match: savings potential, walkability, and economic opportunity — not just cheapest price.

Best Match
🌽 Des Moines
Iowa, IA
12% cheaper
vs. Santa Fe
COL 87
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,200/mo
Monthly savings$350/mo
Walk score36/100
Median income$62K/yr
DetailsCompare
🌽 Lincoln
Nebraska, NE
13% cheaper
vs. Santa Fe
COL 86
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,150/mo
Monthly savings$400/mo
Walk score36/100
Median income$57K/yr
DetailsCompare
🚗 Grand Rapids
Michigan, MI
10% cheaper
vs. Santa Fe
COL 89
100 = US avg
1BR rent$1,400/mo
Monthly savings$150/mo
Walk score38/100
Median income$57K/yr
DetailsCompare

Moving to Des Moines saves you $350/mo. Put it to work while you plan.

High-yield savings accounts — top rates today

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Openbank logo
Openbank
Openbank 12-Month CD
4.45%APY
See reviewOpen account
Peak Bank logo
Peak Bank
Peak Bank 12-Month CD
4.42%APY
See reviewOpen account

Stay in New Mexico

Cheaper cities within New Mexico — same state laws, familiar surroundings.

🌶️ Las Cruces
COL 82
1BR $1,000/mo
17% cheaper
🌶️ Albuquerque
COL 89
1BR $1,100/mo
10% cheaper

Eliminate New Mexico's 4.9% state income tax

These states charge $0 in state income tax. On a $120K salary, that's $5,880/year back in your pocket — before factoring in the lower COL.

🌮 Laredo
No income tax
COL 79
1BR $950/mo
20% cheaper
🌮 El Paso
No income tax
COL 80
1BR $1,050/mo
19% cheaper
🤠 Amarillo
No income tax
COL 80
1BR $950/mo
19% cheaper
🤠 Lubbock
No income tax
COL 81
1BR $1,000/mo
18% cheaper

More monthly income deserves a card that earns it back

No-annual-fee credit cards — earn rewards on every moving expense

Chase logo
Chase
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
1.5%-5% Cash Back
$0 annual fee
See reviewApply
Citi logo
Citi
Citi Custom Cash® Card
1%-5% Cash Back
$0 annual fee
See reviewApply
☐ Compare renters insurance →☐ Auto insurance for your new state →

More affordable metros

All other established metros cheaper than Santa Fe, sorted by cost of living.

🎵 Jackson, MS
COL 791BR $1,000/moSave $550/mo on rent20% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🎯 Springfield, MO
COL 791BR $950/moSave $600/mo on rent20% cheaper
DetailsCompare
⚙️ Montgomery, AL
COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $500/mo on rent18% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🎷 Shreveport, LA
COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $550/mo on rent18% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🌻 Toledo, OH
COL 811BR $1,050/moSave $500/mo on rent18% cheaper
DetailsCompare
🏁 Fort Wayne, IN
COL 811BR $1,000/moSave $550/mo on rent18% cheaper
DetailsCompare

Santa Fe at a glance

99
COL index
100 = US avg
$1,550
1BR rent
per month
$480K
Home price
median
4.9%
State tax
income

Cities with similar cost of living

Dallas, TXCOL: 99Fort Collins, COCOL: 99Chandler, AZCOL: 99Provo, UTCOL: 99

COL data: Numbeo, Zillow, BLS · Walk scores: Walk Score® · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only