Salary Comparison
Computer Programmers: Santa Fe vs Denver
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Santa Fe, NM
$85,561/yr
Denver, CO
$122,580/yr
Our recommendation: Denver, CO
Denver offers $1,200 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Santa Fe
Denver
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$85,561
$122,580
$37,019
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$5,205
$7,457
$2,252
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
74
111
-37 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$1,918
$2,970
$1,052
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,103
$1,780
$677
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$3,287
$4,487
$1,200
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
2.71×
2.51×
+0.20×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
9/10 (Comfortable)
9/10 (Comfortable)
+0
A vs B
Santa Fe — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.