Santa Fe is a vibrant city located in the beautiful state of New Mexico. With its stunning natural landscape and cultural attractions, it's no surprise that more and more people are relocating to this wonderful city. However, with any relocation comes the need to understand the cost of living in the new place. In this article, we will provide an overview of the cost of living in Santa Fe, from housing to transportation. The cost of living in Santa Fe can vary greatly depending on the lifestyle you choose.
Housing is the biggest expense for most people living in Santa Fe. The average cost of a home in Santa Fe is $286,000, which is higher than the national average of $200,000. Rent prices also tend to be higher than the national average, with a one-bedroom apartment averaging around $945 per month. Utilities such as electricity and gas tend to be relatively inexpensive compared to other areas of the country, with an average monthly cost of $135 for electricity and $45 for gas. Transportation costs are also a major expense for residents of Santa Fe.
The city is served by a public bus system as well as several taxi and ride-hailing services. The cost of owning a car can also be quite high due to high registration fees and insurance costs. The average cost of car insurance in Santa Fe is around $1,700 per year, which is higher than the national average of $1,300 per year. In addition to housing and transportation costs, there are other expenses associated with living in Santa Fe. Sales tax in New Mexico is 5.125%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 5%.
Income tax in New Mexico ranges from 1.7% to 4.9%, depending on your income level. Property taxes in Santa Fe are also relatively high, at around 1.6% of the assessed value of your home. Lastly, health insurance premiums tend to be higher than the national average, with an average monthly premium for a single person costing around $289 per month.
Transportation Costs
Santa Fe offers plenty of transportation options. The city is served by a public bus system, as well as taxi and ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft.Owning a car can be costly in Santa Fe due to high registration fees and insurance costs. The average cost of car insurance in Santa Fe is around $1,700 per year.
Housing Costs
The cost of housing in Santa Fe is higher than the national average. When considering the cost of housing in Santa Fe, it's important to factor in all associated costs such as property taxes, insurance, and potential maintenance costs. Property taxes in Santa Fe are higher than the national average, but homeowners may be eligible for a homestead exemption that can reduce their annual tax bill.Additionally, insurance costs in Santa Fe are higher than the national average due to its location in a high-risk area. Potential homeowners should also consider potential maintenance costs, as Santa Fe's harsh climate can take a toll on homes over time.
Health Insurance Costs
When considering the cost of living in Santa Fe, it's important to take health insurance into account. Health insurance premiums tend to be higher than the national average in Santa Fe, with an average monthly premium for a single person costing around $289 per month. For those living in Santa Fe with a family, the cost of health insurance can be even more expensive.These costs can vary significantly depending on the type of insurance plan you choose and the amount of coverage you need. In Santa Fe, you have several options when it comes to health insurance. You can purchase a plan through the state-run health exchange, which offers numerous plans with varying levels of coverage. You can also purchase a plan directly from an insurance company or through a private broker. It's important to compare different plans and coverage levels to find the best option for your needs. In addition to health insurance premiums, there are other costs associated with healthcare in Santa Fe.
Copayments and deductibles for doctor visits and prescriptions can add up quickly, as can the cost of visiting specialists and undergoing tests or procedures. It's important to consider these additional costs when calculating the total cost of living in Santa Fe.
Taxes and Other Expenses
Sales tax in New Mexico is 5.125%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 5%. For those who are self-employed or running a business, there are also business taxes that you need to be aware of. These include gross receipts taxes, individual taxes, corporate taxes, and other miscellaneous taxes.It's important to familiarize yourself with all of the different tax laws and regulations in New Mexico before starting a business. In addition to taxes, there are other expenses associated with living in Santa Fe. Utilities can be expensive, with electricity rates averaging around $0.11 per kWh, and natural gas rates averaging around $0.06 per therm. Transportation costs can also add up quickly, as Santa Fe has limited public transportation options and a high cost of owning a vehicle.
Overall, the cost of living in Santa Fe is higher than the national average, but still relatively affordable compared to other cities in the United States. With its beautiful scenery and unique culture, Santa Fe is an attractive destination for those looking for a change of pace. Living in Santa Fe can be an expensive proposition due to its high housing costs, transportation costs, taxes, and health insurance costs. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cost of living in Santa Fe can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle and income level. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can make sure that you’ll be able to afford life in this beautiful desert city.
