Performance
Score Breakdown
Las Cruces
Alamogordo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Las Cruces is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
2% lower compared to Alamogordo.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Alamogordo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,068 | $1,098 | -3% |
| Groceries | $450 | $346 | +30% |
| Utilities | $198 | $307 | -36% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,986 | $2,021 | -2% |
| Cost Index | 91 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Alamogordo offers 10% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Alamogordo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Las Cruces is estimated at
$64,000 vs $40,992 in Alamogordo.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,790 | $58,673 |
| Salary Needed | $64,000 | $40,992 |
| Purchasing Power | 58,011 idx | 65,192 idx |
| Household Income | $55,422 | $55,952 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 4.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Las Cruces leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 34.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 40.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Las Cruces is the larger city
— approximately 3.7x the population of Alamogordo.
From a growth perspective, Las Cruces is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Las Cruces has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Las Cruces | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 116,998 | 31,276 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.99% | % |
| Median Age | 33.0 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Las Cruces
Advantages
The cost of living in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, particularly for housing and utilities. [9, 10, 35, 39]
Las Cruces offers a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine, ideal for outdoor activities year-round. [4, 8, 12 in previous search, 28 in previous search]
The city has a thriving job market with consistent growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and government. [4, 5, 7, 13, 17, 40]
Las Cruces was ranked 9th among small cities for overall economic growth in a 2025 study, indicating strong economic momentum. [29, 41]
The community is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and rich cultural heritage. [8, 24 in previous search, 30 in previous search]
Drawbacks
Las Cruces has a high crime rate, with violent crime reported to be 68% higher and property crime 153% higher than the national average in 2024. [20]
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited public transit options and a low walkability score. [10, 11, 22]
Some residents report challenges with the quality and access to medical specialists and addiction treatment services. [8, 44 in previous search, 45 in previous search]
Average hourly earnings in Las Cruces are lower than the national average. [41 in previous search, 17]
Traffic congestion can lead to annual delays for drivers. [43 in previous search]
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.
Las Cruces
#21New Mexico, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,068
Avg Salary
$52,790
Cost Index
91
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
34.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.99%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
78
Business
70
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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