Example household · Austin, TX · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Austin vs Santa Fe

Austin and Santa Fe

Photo: Wikimedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Santa Fe are under the US rate in this release, 5.8 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Austin to Santa Fe

In 2022-2023, 90 households filed a move from Austin to Santa Fe (about 135 people, average adjusted gross income $155,911). 41 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,221 in Austin and $1,503 in Santa Fe. Austin has no state tax on wages. Santa Fe has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Santa Fe is 89% of the national level for the same work, against 104% in Austin.

Santa Fe averages 276 sunny days, with July highs around 88°F and January nights around 21°F. Austin is 228 sunny days, 97°F in July, 43°F in January. Commutes average 23 minutes in Santa Fe and 27 in Austin.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 90 households moved Austin → Santa Fe (about 135 people, average AGI $155,911). 41 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Austin and Santa Fe changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 725 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$2,350–$4,400
Container or pod
$1,650–$3,050
Rent a truck
$800–$1,550

Movers in Santa Fe and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Santa Fe cheaper than Austin after tax and rent?

No. Santa Fe leaves about $387 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,221 in Austin and $1,503 in Santa Fe.

Does Santa Fe have state income tax?

Santa Fe is in New Mexico, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Austin to Santa Fe?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.