Performance
Score Breakdown
Alabaster
Alamogordo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alabaster is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
100% lower compared to Alamogordo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Alabaster's average rent is
100% lower than Alamogordo's.
| Metric | Alabaster | Alamogordo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $0 | $1,098 | -100% |
| Groceries | $0 | $346 | -100% |
| Utilities | $0 | $307 | -100% |
| Transport | $0 | $120 | -100% |
| Healthcare | $0 | $150 | -100% |
| Monthly Total | $0 | $2,021 | -100% |
| Cost Index | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Alamogordo offers 100% lower average salaries.
| Metric | Alabaster | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $0 | $58,673 |
| Salary Needed | $0 | $40,992 |
| Household Income | $91,357 | $55,952 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Alabaster | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 70.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Alamogordo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Alabaster.
Alamogordo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Alamogordo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Alabaster | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 31 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 10.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alabaster is the larger city
— approximately 1.1x the population of Alamogordo.
From a growth perspective, Alabaster is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Alabaster has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Alabaster | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,014 | 31,276 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.77% | % |
| Median Age | 39.6 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Alabaster
Advantages
Alabaster boasts exceptionally low violent crime rates, significantly below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety.
The overall cost of living in Alabaster is lower than the national average.
The median household income in Alabaster ($91,357 in 2024) is higher than both the state and national averages.
Alabaster's public schools are highly rated, making it an attractive place for families.
The city has a thriving and diverse economy with a 2.5% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
Drawbacks
Alabaster has a low walkability score, meaning most errands require a car.
Public transportation is not readily available in Alabaster.
The average commute time of 30-32 minutes is longer than the national average.
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance.
Limited nightlife and dining options compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Alamogordo
Advantages
The cost of living in Alamogordo is 10% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
The housing market is stable and affordable, with the median home sale price at $235,000 as of May 2026.
Holloman Air Force Base provides a strong and stable economic foundation for the city.
Residents have easy access to unique natural attractions, including the stunning White Sands National Park.
CHRISTUS Health Alamogordo received an 'A' Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for spring 2026, indicating high quality healthcare.
Drawbacks
The city has limited public transportation options and a low walkability score of 24, leading to high car dependency.
The average annual salary of $58,673 in Alamogordo is lower than the national average.
Job growth in Alamogordo is modest, with a 0.736% employment growth rate from 2023 to 2024.
The projected population growth rate for Alamogordo in 2026 is relatively flat at 0.0%.
The city's safety index of 49 suggests a need for improvement in its overall safety profile.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Alabaster
#13Alabama, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$0
Avg Salary
$0
Cost Index
Commute
31 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
10.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.77%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
75
Business
0
Alamogordo
#64New Mexico, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,098
Avg Salary
$58,673
Cost Index
90
Commute
22 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
24.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.70%
Livability
70
Business
65
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