Quick answer
Cleveland costs $360/month less overall ($1,530 vs $1,890/mo). Cleveland also has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99% vs 4.9%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Cleveland vs Santa Fe
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Cleveland vs Santa Fe at a Glance
| Metric | Cleveland | Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $1,750 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,320 ✓ | $1,750 |
| Median Home Price | $185K ✓ | $650K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $140 ✓ | $140 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $340 ✓ | $350 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,530 ✓ | $1,890 |
| Walk Score | 56/100 | 73/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 42/100 ✓ | 32/100 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 3.99% ✓ | 4.9% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Cleveland's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $1,400 in Santa Fe — a $350/month difference, or $4,200/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Cleveland charges Up to 3.99% state income tax vs 4.9% in Santa Fe. On an $80K salary that's a $728/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $5,880 vs $4,788 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Cleveland are $185K vs $650K in Santa Fe. At a 20% down payment, that's a $93,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Utilities are essentially equal between both cities at $140/month.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Santa Fe, NM
Santa Fe's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Cleveland
Cold cloudy winters with lake-effect snow from Lake Erie; warm summers; exceptional fall colors
Santa Fe
High desert with mild to warm summers (75°F average), cold winters (30°F average, 30 inches snow), intense sun, and low humidity (35%). Elevation 7,000 feet.
Job Market
Cleveland top industries
Santa Fe top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Cleveland if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a manufacturing professionals
- →You're a value-seekers
- →You're a outdoor enthusiasts (Lake Erie)
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Santa Fe if…
- →You're a Artists and creative professionals
- →You're a Retirees with substantial savings
- →You're a Remote workers seeking inspiration
- →You're a Wellness and spirituality seekers
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleveland or Santa Fe cheaper to live in?
Cleveland is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,530 in Cleveland vs $1,890 in Santa Fe — a $360/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Cleveland or Santa Fe?
Santa Fe is more walkable with a Walk Score of 73/100 vs 56/100. Cleveland is more car-dependent.
Cleveland vs Santa Fe: which has lower state income tax?
Cleveland has lower state income tax (Up to 3.99%). On an $80K salary, that saves $728/year vs Santa Fe (4.9%).
Is Cleveland or Santa Fe better for buying a home?
Cleveland has lower median home prices at $185K vs $650K in Santa Fe — a $465,000 difference on the median home.