The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Fe, NM for 2024

The New Mexico Department of Health regulates assisted living facilities in Santa Fe and the rest of the state. Local facilities follow rules regarding the scope of care, care planning, medication management, staffing and public financing options. The department enforces compliance with rules and regulations through an initial licensing process and regular inspections.  

 

• Santa Fe is among the more expensive cities in New Mexico to live in, which may impact retirees’ standard of living. The city’s overall cost of living is about 27% higher than the statewide average. Housing costs are almost double the state average, and miscellaneous expenses such as entertainment, clothing and restaurant meals are about 10% higher here than in the typical New Mexico city. However, healthcare expenses are low compared to the national average and may offset higher living expenses. 
• New Mexico is among the few states that tax all types of retirement income, including Social Security benefits. Sales taxes are also high, but property taxes are affordable, which may benefit retirees who maintain ownership of their homes.  
• Santa Fe’s climate is warm and dry, which may appeal to older adults who enjoy being outdoors. The city rates 7.5 on a 10-point comfort index, indicating that its weather is more comfortable than the typical U.S. city, which rates 7. July highs are in the mid-80s and winter lows are near 20 degrees, and residents see about 15 inches of rain and 26 inches of snowfall annually.  
• Santa Fe’s air has a low level of pollutants, which may benefit those with asthma, allergies or cardiovascular conditions. On a 100-point air quality index, the city scores 72, which is 14 points higher than the national median.  
• Historically, crime rates in Santa Fe are high compared to national averages, with violent crime rating 24.2 and property crime rating 57.3 on a 100-point crime index, compared to respective national rates of 22.7 and 35.4. However, Santa Fe’s crime rates are trending downward, even as crime becomes more prevalent statewide.  
• Santa Fe’s Transit Division operates three public transportation programs. Santa Fe Trails operates bus routes throughout the city and in some parts of the county. Santa Fe Ride provides curb-to-curb transportation for older adults unable to use the regular bus services, and Santa Fe Pick-Up Shuttle operates free shuttles around the downtown region and to Museum Hill and Canyon Road.  

 

According to the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Santa Fe's monthly median cost for assisted living reaches $6,830. This amount significantly surpasses the U.S. ($5,350) and state amounts by $1,480 and $1,380, respectively. In New Mexico, Farmington matches the state median at $5,450, and Albuquerque is a few hundred dollars higher at $5,738, making Santa Fe the most expensive in the state. 

In Santa Fe, assisted living costs around $6,830 per month, $157 more than in-home care and $2,445 more expensive than home health care. However, the cost of assisted living is usually all-inclusive, covering accommodations, meals, utilities and assistive care, making it more affordable than in-home care and home health care in the long run.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in New Mexico page.