Cost of Living: Madison vs Santa Fe (2026)
Madison has a 2% lower overall cost of living than Santa Fe as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,550/mo in Santa Fe vs $1,650/mo in Madison — a 6% difference. Santa Fe has a lower state income tax rate (4.9% vs 7.7%), which adds up over time.
- Madison is 2% cheaper overall (COL index: 97 vs 99)
- 1BR rent: $1,550/mo in Santa Fe vs $1,650/mo — 6% savings
- Higher median household income: Madison ($68,000/yr vs $58,000/yr)
- Median home price: $360,000 in Madison vs $480,000 — 25% difference
| Category | Madison Wisconsin | Santa Fe New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $1,300 | $1,200Best |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,650 | $1,550Best |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,200 | $2,050Best |
| Median home price | $360KBest | $480K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 101 | 99Best |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 | $13Best |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $58Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $62 | $40Best |
| Gas price/gal | $3.20 | $3.15Best |
| Car insurance/mo | $145 | $142Best |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $162 | $158Best |
| Internet/mo | $63Best | $65 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $68KBest | $58K |
| State income tax% | 7.7% | 4.9%Best |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 5.4%Best | 7.7% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $15.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $42 | $38Best |
| Beer at restaurant | $6.50Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 97Best | 99 |
| Walk score / 100 | 55Best | 42 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Madison cheaper than Santa Fe?
Yes. Madison is 2% cheaper than Santa Fe based on overall cost of living indices (97 vs 99, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Madison vs Santa Fe?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Madison is $1,650/month and in Santa Fe is $1,550/month. Madison is more expensive by 6%.
How much do I need to earn in Santa Fe to match a $75,000 salary in Madison?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $76,546/year in Santa Fe to match a $75,000 salary in Madison. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Madison or Santa Fe?
Santa Fe has the lower state income tax rate at 4.9% vs 7.7%. The difference is 2.8 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Madison to Santa Fe?
It depends on your priorities. Madison offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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