Roswell, NM vs Santa Fe, NM

The cost of living difference between Roswell, NM and Santa Fe, NM is dramatic. Roswell is 36.3% cheaper than Santa Fe, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Roswell has a cost index of 69 while Santa Fe sits at 109, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Roswell is $840/month compared to $1,380/month in Santa Fe — a 39% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roswell is more affordable at $139,200 median vs $411,500.

Median household income in Roswell is $50,294 compared to $70,110 in Santa Fe (-28.3%). The higher salaries in Santa Fe partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Roswell spend roughly 20% of their income on rent, less than the 23.6% in Santa Fe.