Español

Este sitio también está en español. Leer en español

Renting · Section 8

Data from November 2026

Renting in Santa Fe County, New Mexico

Santa Fe County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,735 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,389 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $33.37 an hour, full time.

Figure your move-in cash Section 8 here
WhatsApp
Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,735
a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
35% more than in New Mexico
Typical rent
$1,389
a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
30% more than in New Mexico
Wage needed
$33.37
an hour, 2 bedrooms
Or $69,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
Rent-burdened households
51%
spend 30% or more of income on rent
2% more than in New Mexico

Source: Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Fair Market Rents (HUD) Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates

Only here

Renting in Santa Fe County: what sets it apart

What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.

  1. Among the neighboring counties, San Miguel County has the lowest typical rent ($823), 41% below the $1,389 in Santa Fe County.

  2. Santa Fe County has the 2nd highest typical rent of the 30 counties in New Mexico with this figure ($1,389).

  3. Santa Fe County has the 3rd highest typical household income of the 32 counties in New Mexico with this figure ($79,071).

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).

Fair market rent

What HUD sets for each size

Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Santa Fe County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.

The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)

According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Santa Fe County was $1,953 a month in September 2026: 0.6% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data

Fair market rent and wage needed To pay the fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income, working full time (40 hours a week).
Size Fair rent per month Hourly wage Income needed per year
Studio $1,260 $24.23 $50,400
1 bedroom $1,413 $27.17 $56,520
2 bedrooms $1,735 $33.37 $69,400
3 bedrooms $2,134 $41.04 $85,360
4 bedrooms $2,280 $43.85 $91,200

HUD area: Santa Fe, NM MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027

By ZIP code

The fair market rent for your ZIP code

HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 17 ZIP codes in Santa Fe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 87015 to $2,020 in 87508. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,735).

Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)

Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)

Rent burden

How many households spend too much

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Santa Fe County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).

Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.

51%

of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.

20,164 households rent in Santa Fe County

  • Spend half or more of their income 29%
  • Spend 30% or more, but less than half 22%
  • Spend less than 30% 49%

Compared with the state and the country

  • Santa Fe 51%
  • New Mexico 50%
  • United States 51%

Low-income apartments

Low-income apartments in Santa Fe County

HUD lists 52 properties with homes for low-income households in Santa Fe County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.

with tax credits (LIHTC)
35
HUD-assisted
15
public housing
3

4,277 homes in all; 4,103 of them low-income, according to HUD.

  • Mountain View Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2000 Hopewell St, Santa Fe 87505 279 low-income homes
  • Las Palomas Tax credit (LIHTC) 2001 Hopewell St, Santa Fe 87505 278 low-income homes · Studio: 168 · 2 bd: 110 · In service since 2006
  • Cerrillos/Santa Cruz Public housing 56 Camino De Jacobo, Santa Fe 87507 199 homes, 198 low-income · Run by Housing Authority of the County of Santa Fe · Average payment: $518 a month · Average wait: 32 months · Homes at several sites · (505) 992-3051
  • San Rafael Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1409 Zepol Rd, Santa Fe 87507 196 homes, 176 low-income
  • Tuscany at ST Francis Tax credit (LIHTC) 2218 Miguel Chavez Rd, Santa Fe 87505 176 low-income homes · 1 bd: 88 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
  • Sangre de Cristo Apartments HUD-assisted 1801 Espinacitas St, Santa Fe 87505 164 low-income homes · For families · (505) 984-1856
  • Bluffs at Tierra Contenta Tax credit (LIHTC) 6600 Jaguar Dr, Santa Fe 87507 160 homes, 159 low-income · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 72 · 4 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
  • Altamira at ST Michaels Tax credit (LIHTC) 1449 Zepol Rd, Santa Fe 87507 136 low-income homes
  • Tres Santos Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1899 Pacheco St, Santa Fe 87505 135 homes, 134 low-income
  • Villas de San Ignacio Tax credit (LIHTC) 4499 San Ignacio, Santa Fe 87507 127 low-income homes · In service since 2008
  • Pasa Tiempo Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 664 Alta Vista St, Santa Fe 87505 121 low-income homes · 1 bd: 115 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2020 · For older adults, families · (505) 988-2859
  • Villa Hermosa HUD-assisted 1510 Luisa St, Santa Fe 87505 116 low-income homes · For families · (505) 988-2859
  • Santa Fe Community Living HUD-assisted 1217 Senda Ln, Santa Fe 87507 121 homes, 114 low-income · For families · (505) 983-8447
  • Airport Vista Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6921 Airport Rd, Santa Fe 87507 116 homes, 114 low-income · In service since 2006
  • Vista Linda Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6332 Entrada De Milagro, Santa Fe 87507 109 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 49 · 3 bd: 35 · 4 bd: 9 · In service since 1997
  • Casa Villita Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3330 Calle Po Ae Pi, Santa Fe 87507 105 low-income homes
  • Las Lomas Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Santa Cruz Rd, Espanola 87532 100 low-income homes · 2 bd: 48 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2000
  • Villa Consuelo Apartments HUD-assisted 1200 Camino Consuelo, Santa Fe 87507 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (505) 471-0565
  • Casa Rufina Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2310 Casa Rufina Rd, Santa Fe 87507 100 homes, 98 low-income · 1 bd: 33 · 2 bd: 67 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
  • San Tierra Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3991 Camino Juliana, Santa Fe 87507 93 homes, 90 low-income
  • Paseo del Sol (santa Fe) Tax credit (LIHTC) 4551 Paseo Del Sol, Santa Fe 87507 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1998
  • Soleras Station Tax credit (LIHTC) 4804 Rail Runner Rd, Santa Fe 87507 87 homes, 73 low-income · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2019 · For people experiencing homelessness
  • Evergreen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2020 Calle Lorca, Santa Fe 87505 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 38 · In service since 2001
  • Santa Fe Apartments HUD-assisted 255 Camino Alire, Santa Fe 87501 64 low-income homes · For families · (505) 983-2260
  • Country Club Apts - Santa Fe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1002 Airport RD, Santa Fe 87507 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2003
  • Stage Coach Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3360 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe 87507 60 low-income homes
  • The Village Sage Tax credit (LIHTC) 5951 Larson Loop, Santa Fe 87507 60 low-income homes
  • Ventana de Vida Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Pacheco St, Santa Fe 87505 60 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2002
  • Via Real Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2501 W Zia Rd, Santa Fe 87505 60 low-income homes · In service since 1992
  • Villa Real Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 W Zia Rd, Santa Fe 87505 60 low-income homes · In service since 1992
  • Villa Real Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 W Zia Rd, Santa Fe 87505 60 low-income homes · In service since 1992
  • Ventana de Vida Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Pacheco St, Santa Fe 87505 60 homes, 59 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 40 · In service since 2002
  • Villa Alegre Family Tax credit (LIHTC) 213 Villa Alegre St, Santa Fe 87501 51 low-income homes
  • Villa Alegre Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 119 Villa Alegre St, Santa Fe 87501 51 homes, 50 low-income · In service since 2009
  • Villa del Norte HUD-assisted 710 La Joya St, Espanola 87532 50 low-income homes · For older adults · (575) 894-2244
  • Encino Villa HUD-assisted 1501 Montano St, Santa Fe 87505 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (505) 989-7271
  • La Cieneguita Elderly Housing HUD-assisted 1601 La Cieneguita, Santa Fe 87507 32 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults · (505) 988-2859
  • White Sands Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 13 Pojoaque Rd, Santa Fe 87506 30 low-income homes · 3 bd: 10 · 4 bd: 20 · In service since 2002
  • Campo Apts (campo Alegria) Tax credit (LIHTC) 104 Camino Del Campo, Santa Fe 87501 28 low-income homes
  • Villa Alegre Senior Housing Public housing 122 Villa Alegre St, Santa Fe 87501 50 homes, 24 low-income · Run by Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority · Average payment: $398 a month · Average wait: 30 months · Homes at several sites · (505) 988-2859
  • La Luz Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2325 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe 87505 24 low-income homes · Studio: 16 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 1998
  • White Sands Village Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Desert Rose Ct, Santa Fe 87506 20 low-income homes · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2007
  • Santa Fe Homeward Bound HUD-assisted 3454 Cerrillos Rd, Santa Fe 87507 20 homes, 19 low-income · For people with disabilities · (800) 466-7722
  • Casa Rufina Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2323 Casa Rufina Rd, Santa Fe 87507 20 homes, 17 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2007 · For older adults
  • Casa Milagro HUD-assisted 49 Camino Bajo, Santa Fe 87508 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (505) 474-7684
  • 1115 Calle La Resolana CAT1A HUD-assisted 1115 Calle La Resolana, Santa Fe 87507 45 homes, 11 low-income · For families · (505) 467-9407
  • Challenge New Mexico Grp Home One HUD-assisted 1888 Calle Quedo, Santa Fe 87505 6 low-income homes · For older adults · (505) 452-1553
  • Challenge New Mexico Grp Home Two HUD-assisted 1868 Vista Del Sur, Santa Fe 87505 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (505) 452-1553
  • Challenge New Mexico SVCS for HDCP HUD-assisted 631 Agua Fria St, Santa Fe 87501 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (505) 452-1553
  • Villa Alegre Family Housing Public housing 259 Villa Alegre St, Santa Fe 87501 60 homes, 4 low-income · Run by Santa Fe Civic Housing Authority · Homes at several sites · (505) 988-2859
  • 321 Tesuque DR Main House Tax credit (LIHTC) 321 Tesuque Dr, Santa Fe 87505 3 low-income homes
  • 1878 Camino Canada Tax credit (LIHTC) 1878 Canada Ct, Espanola 87532 1 low-income home

One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map

Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.

Section 8

The Section 8 voucher in Santa Fe County

The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Santa Fe County. Here is what the rules say:

The rules, with their source

  1. You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. HUD

  2. Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)

  3. Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)

  4. If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)

  5. When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. 24 CFR §982.508

  6. Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)

Mixed-status families: how assistance is figured
HUD income limits Yearly income of the whole family, before taxes.
People Extremely low (30%) Very low (50%) Low
$23,000 $38,300 $61,250
$26,250 $43,750 $70,000
$29,550 $49,250 $78,750
$33,000 $54,700 $87,500
$38,680 $59,100 $94,500
$44,360 $63,500 $101,500
$50,040 $67,850 $108,500
$55,720 $72,250 $115,500

Area median income: $118,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Santa Fe, NM MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026

How much can you earn? Check your case

Possible payment standard

  • Studio $1,134 – $1,386
  • 1 bedroom $1,272 – $1,554
  • 2 bedrooms $1,562 – $1,909
  • 3 bedrooms $1,921 – $2,347
  • 4 bedrooms $2,052 – $2,508

The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.

Housing agencies that serve this place

Housing agencies in New Mexico Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026

Your rights as a tenant in New Mexico

What New Mexico law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.

See your rights, rule by rule

Compare these rules with other states →

A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.

If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
3 days
NMSA 1978, §47-8-33(D)
How much notice ends a month-to-month rental?
30 days
NMSA 1978, §47-8-37(A)-(B)
  • Only a court order can remove youNMSA 1978, §47-8-36; §47-8-33

Help

Where to get help with rent in Santa Fe County

This HUD-approved agency has an office in Santa Fe County. They counsel for free or at low cost.

  • Homewise, Inc.

    1301 Siler Rd, Santa Fe · Spanish

    • Budget and credit workshops
    • Pre-purchase counseling
    • and 1 more
    (505) 983-9473
See every agency in New Mexico Find legal aid (lsc.gov)

Tool

How much cash do you need to move in?

It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Santa Fe County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.

Count power on top of the rent: in New Mexico, the average home bill was $93 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs

Open the full tool

Your move

We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.

Adjust advanced details
Deposit and rent in advance
The deposit, in

Let's do the math

Cash to move in

$3,470

What you need before you get the keys.

What adds up

First month
$1,735
Security deposit
$1,735
Total
$3,470

The deposit cap

Pick your state to see whether its law caps the deposit.

Compare each state's rules →

When you'll have it

Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.

What helps

  • Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
  • On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
  • Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
Guide: the security depositGuide: avoiding rental scamsFamily budgetHow much rent can I afford?

This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.

Guides

Before you sign

Frequently asked questions

What is the fair market rent in Santa Fe County?

According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,260; 1 bedroom: $1,413; 2 bedrooms: $1,735; 3 bedrooms: $2,134; 4 bedrooms: $2,280. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.

How much do you need to earn to rent in Santa Fe County?

Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,735) without spending more than 30% of income takes $33.37 an hour full time, or $69,400 a year.

Who qualifies for Section 8 in Santa Fe County?

Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $54,700 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.

How much does Section 8 pay in Santa Fe County?

The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $1,562 and $1,909 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.

Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Santa Fe County?

For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,520 in 87015 to $2,020 in 87508. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.

How many low-income apartments are there in Santa Fe County?

HUD lists 52 properties with homes for low-income households in Santa Fe County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.

How many households spend too much on rent in Santa Fe County?

HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Santa Fe County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in New Mexico, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).