Moving from Santa Fe to Dayton (2026)
Dayton has a COL index of 83 vs 99 for Santa Fe (100 = US average). You'd pay about 16% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$448/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
9983
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,550$1,100
per month
State tax
4.9%3.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,434$4,522
per month
Salary needed in Dayton to match your Santa Fe lifestyle
Based on the 16% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Santa Fe | Equivalent in Dayton |
|---|---|
| $40K | $33,535 |
| $50K | $41,919 |
| $60K | $50,303 |
| $75K | $62,879 |
| $80K | $67,071 |
| $100K | $83,838 |
| $120K | $100,606 |
| $150K | $125,758 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Santa Fe vs Dayton
| Expense | Santa Fe | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,434 | $4,522 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,100 |
| Groceries | $376 | $361 |
| Transport | $40 | $60 |
| Utilities | $158 | $162 |
| Internet | $65 | $58 |
| Left after essentials | $2,245 | $2,781 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Dayton cheaper than Santa Fe?
Yes. Dayton has a cost of living index of 83 vs 99 for Santa Fe (100 = US average). That's about 16% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Santa Fe to Dayton?
On a $75K salary, moving from Santa Fe to Dayton could save roughly $448/month on core expenses. That's ~$5,376/year.
What salary do I need in Dayton to match my Santa Fe lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Santa Fe, you'd need roughly $62,879/year in Dayton. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Dayton to Santa FeSanta Fe vs Dayton — full comparisonSanta Fe cost of livingDayton cost of living
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only