Santa Fe is an artsy historic town known for its strong arts scene, its Pueblo-style architecture, and its unique local cuisine. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Santa Fe?
You should plan to spend around $190 per day on your vacation in Santa Fe. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $75 on meals
- $61 on local transportation
- $161 on hotels
A one week trip to Santa Fe for two people costs, on average, $2,660. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,330
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,660
-
One Month
Per person
$5,700
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,660
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$5,320
-
One Month
For a couple
$11,400
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Santa Fe cost?
A one week trip to Santa Fe usually costs around $1,330 for one person and $2,660 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Santa Fe on average costs around $2,660 for one person and $5,320 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Santa Fe will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Santa Fe on average costs around $5,700 for one person and $11,400 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Santa Fe expensive to visit?
Santa Fe is a small yet inviting historic town that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
You may find Santa Fe to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $83 per day, mid-range travelers spend $190 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $369 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Santa Fe.
Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Santa Fe is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Atlantic City or Cody, Wyoming.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Santa Fe Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Santa Fe?
The average Santa Fe trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Santa Fe travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Santa Fe cost?
Santa Fe on a Budget
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$35
|
$81
|
$152
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$27
|
$61
|
$117
|
Food 2
|
$32
|
$75
|
$151
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7.33
|
$17
|
$32
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-6
|
$5-15
|
$9-28
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
To manage your travel budget, it's important to set realistic expectations. Many people think they can visit Santa Fe on a cheap budget, but most don't enjoy the limitations of a tight shoestring budget. Consider how you like to travel. Do you enjoy hostels, resorts, hotels, or vacation rentals? Do you want to dine out and explore the major attractions? These decisions will determine your budget and itinerary.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $83 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Santa Fe, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Santa Fe. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $190 per person, per day.
In Santa Fe, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Las Palomas is a great choice for families, and La Fonda on the Plaza is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Santa Fe.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $369. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the historic town will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Welcome to Santa Fe: Private 2.5 hr Introductory Walking Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Santa Fe
Santa Fe offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $363, but during peak summer season, they can average $677. Prices range from $148 to $1,728, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Santa Fe for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $161. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $81 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Santa Fe? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Santa Fe include:
- La Fonda on the Plaza starting at $253
- Villas de Santa Fe starting at $162
- Inn & Spa at Loretto starting at $296
- Hotel Santa Fe Santa Fe starting at $181
- Casa Cuma Bed & Breakfast starting at $299
Many people stay up to a week in Santa Fe. If you're here for a longer time, you might want a vacation rental with a kitchen for preparing some of your own meals.
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of summer, can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Walking is a favored way to experience Santa Fe, so finding a central accommodation is a great idea. Just remember, this might come with a steeper price tag.
During ski season, expect prices to go up, so plan to book your accommodations early. Many places with convenient slope access can fill up quickly and might be costly.
The historic town's historic old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels here may be more expensive, but they often feature a lot of character and a prime location for easy access to attractions.
Transportation Budget in Santa Fe
Unfortunately, Santa Fe does not provide a solid public transit network. There is a bus system - the Santa Fe Trails Bus Service.
If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. The historic district is walkable and it's easy to visit most of the tourist sights in this area on foot.
Public Transit: 



(moderate)
Walkability: 



(great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $61 per person, per day, on local transportation in Santa Fe. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Santa Fe is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$61
Check that your hotel has convenient parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- New Mexico: Private Transfer from Santa Fe Regional Airport for $196 details
How much does it cost to go to Santa Fe? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Santa Fe will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Santa Fe
The food in Santa Fe is delightful, and it's important to take the time to experience all the local tastes. There are many local restaurants that use regional ingredients and offer great flavors. There are also cafes and bistros where you can enjoy breakfast or brunch. Local dishes include sopaipillas made with Native American fry bread, slow-cooked beans, and anything made with red and green chili peppers.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Santa Fe can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Santa Fe is $75 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$75
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Santa Fe is around $75 ($75) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $151. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Santa Fe are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $30
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Like the rest of New Mexico, Santa Fe is known for its huge spicy plates of Southwestern food. Most dishes are based in a spicy sauce made from red or green chili peppers, or a mix of both. Typical dishes of the American southwest that most people are familiar with include items like burrito, chimichanga, enchilada, fajitas, nachos, chili con carne, chili con queso, quesadilla, stuffed peppers, tacos, and tostados, many of which are often served with sides of rice and beans and salsa or guacamole. There are, however, a few dishes particular to New Mexico, some of which include a sweet rice pudding called arroz dulce, an anise-flavored cookie sprinkled with cinnamon sugar called bizcochito (state cookie of New Mexico), and a thick hot gruel made from blue corn meal called atole. You will even find New Mexican spins on traditional American favorites, like a green chile cheeseburger or green chile cheese fries. When in New Mexico it's best to take advantage of the abundance of authentic southwestern food, though there are additionally plenty of standard chain restaurants and other fare in Santa Fe for the less adventurous palette. Popular drinks include the margarita and sangria.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Using a water bottle can save you money on drinks while being eco-friendly.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Santa Fe, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Santa Fe Farmers Market & Railyard Food Tour for $213 details
- Wander New Mexico Food Tour - Downtown Plaza 'Sip & Savor' for $209 details
- New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza for $187 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Santa Fe
It's no surprise that Santa Fe sees many visitors since it offers food, historical sights, skiing, and museums and attractions.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Santa Fe typically cost an average of $17 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
Santa Fe is a very attractive city, with much of its architecture in the pueblo-style and an abundance of Native American arts, crafts, jewelry, textiles, and other goods decorating store windows and restaurants. A few notable architectural gems include churches like the St. Francis Cathedral and the Loretto Chapel, as well as the State Capitol Building and other structures around town that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The oldest public building in the United States is also in Santa Fe-The Palace of the Governors, a 17th-century building that once served as the main capitol building and now houses the New Mexico History Museum.
The city is also host to a variety of interesting museums, many of which are located downtown and can be reached by foot. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is perhaps one of the best known, featuring a rotating exhibit of the work of the 20th-century artist who settled near Abiquiu, a small town north of Santa Fe. She is most famous for her paintings of enlarged flowers and New Mexican landscapes. Additional museums include the New Mexico Museum of Art, Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, amongst others.
In addition to walking tours, admiring architecture, and experiencing the art, history, and culture of Santa Fe's museums, there are also a number of festivals held throughout the year, the most characteristic being the Fiesta de Santa Fe held the weekend after Labor Day once most of the summer tourists have departed. Santa Fe is additionally host to a number of theatre and performing arts center, for those interested in music and dance, while outdoor activities like walking, biking, and horseback riding are available at the south side of downtown along the Santa Fe River Park. Some visitors choose to explore opportunities just outside the city as well, visiting the vast number of nearby Native American pueblos and admiring the southwestern landscapes.
Historical Sights:
The old town, steeped in history, draws in a wide array of visitors. As the 2nd oldest city in the United States, the old town historic district is filled with charm. The Pueblo-style buildings are brightly colored and there are churches throughout.
Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. There are many unique shops and art galleries that feature local artists and craftsmen.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Santa Fe. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Our Lady of Guadalupe Walking Tour in Santa Fe for $90 details
- Santa Fe Art and History Small Group Bike Tour for $125 details
- Willa Cather's Walking Tour in Santa Fe for $50 details
Nightlife Budget in Santa Fe
If you're in Santa Fe, you'll notice that the nightlife is pretty gentle and relaxed. While most of the town quiets down at night, the city has a few areas that stay active late into the night. Live music is popular and diverse. It often includes different genres such as the blues, country, salsa or bluegrass.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.68 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Santa Fe per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.68
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Santa Fe. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery Tour and Tasting for $18 details
Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024
Traveling in Santa Fe
Sante Fe, New Mexico, USA
Santa Fe is the state capital of New Mexico as well as the oldest state capital in the United States, founded in 1607. It has become a popular travel destination due to the surrounding scenic beauty, its long history, cultural diversity especially with its proximity to American Indian pueblos and culture, and a rich concentration of arts, music, and food.
Neighborhoods & Around
Santa Fe has a small, but lively, downtown area that is very walkable and popular with tourists. In fact, with its small streets it is actually preferable to park the car and navigate on foot. Typical to towns of Spanish origin, Santa Fe has a central square downtown, the historic Santa Fe Plaza, which has become a common gathering place and site for public entertainment. While the downtown roads are small and sometimes wander, the general area of the downtown is somewhat looped within one of the main roads, Paseo de Peralta. There are plenty of walking tours of downtown Santa Fe that give visitors insight into the architecture, culture, and history of the downtown area. A walk through this area will provide a collection of restaurants, museums, entertainment, and shops selling American Indian arts and crafts.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.