Austin vs Santa Fe for Retirees (2026)
Scroll down for retirement income tax breakdown, healthcare estimates, and FAQ.
Full retirement cost breakdown
| Metric | Austin Texas | Santa Fe New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR rent / month | $1,800 | $1,550Better |
| Median home price | $480KBetter | $480K |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 4.9% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 8.3% | 7.7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $170 | $158Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98Better | 99 |
| Est. healthcare / month | $610 | $495Better |
| Walk score (0–100) | 42 / 100Better | 42 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 122 | 99Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for retirement — Austin or Santa Fe?
Based on home prices, taxes on retirement income, walkability, and overall cost of living, Austin scores better for retirees. Median home prices are $480K in Austin vs $480K in Santa Fe. Santa Fe is approximately 19% cheaper overall. The best choice still depends on climate, healthcare access, and proximity to family.
Is retirement income taxed in Austin or Santa Fe?
Texas has no state income tax, meaning Social Security, pension, and retirement account withdrawals are not subject to state tax. New Mexico has a 4.9% state income tax rate. For retirees, this difference can save thousands annually.
What is the estimated monthly healthcare cost in Austin vs Santa Fe?
Based on national average retiree healthcare spending (~$500/month) scaled by each city's cost-of-living index, estimated monthly healthcare costs are approximately $610 in Austin and $495 in Santa Fe. That's a difference of ~$115/month, or ~$1,380/year. Actual costs vary based on your Medicare plan, supplements, and health needs.
Can I afford to retire in Austin on a $50,000 annual income?
On a $50,000/year ($4,167/month) retirement income in Austin, rent alone would consume approximately 43% of your budget (1BR rent ~$1,800/mo) and healthcare another ~15%. That leaves roughly 42% (~$1,750/mo) for groceries, transportation, and other expenses. This is tight — a studio apartment or lower-cost neighborhood would help.
Which city is more walkable for retirees?
Austin has a higher walk score (42 vs 42 out of 100). Walkability is increasingly important for retirees who want to reduce car dependence — a score above 70 means most daily errands can be done on foot. Austin offers more independence without a car, which also reduces transportation costs.
$50K/year in Austin has the same purchasing power as $41K/year in Santa Fe
Healthcare estimates based on national avg retiree spending (~$500/mo) scaled by COL index · State income tax rates from Tax Foundation · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026