Performance
Score Breakdown
Beckley
Alamogordo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Beckley is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Alamogordo.
Housing costs are a major driver: Beckley's average rent is
13% lower than Alamogordo's.
| Metric | Beckley | Alamogordo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,098 | -13% |
| Groceries | $450 | $346 | +30% |
| Utilities | $200 | $307 | -35% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $150 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $2,000 | $2,021 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 85 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Alamogordo offers 46% 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 Beckley is estimated at
$45,000 vs $40,992 in Alamogordo.
| Metric | Beckley | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $31,431 | $58,673 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $40,992 |
| Purchasing Power | 36,978 idx | 65,192 idx |
| Household Income | $45,826 | $55,952 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Beckley | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 74.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Beckley has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Alamogordo.
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 | Beckley | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 15.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alamogordo is the larger city
— approximately 0.5x the population of Beckley.
From a growth perspective, Beckley is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Beckley has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Beckley | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,196 | 31,276 |
| Pop. Growth | % | % |
| Median Age | 42.3 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 2.70% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Beckley
Advantages
The overall cost of living in Beckley is significantly lower than the national average, including housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Housing is highly affordable, with a 2024 median property value of $158,000 and a positive home affordability ratio.
Commute times are notably shorter, with an average one-way commute of 16.5 minutes, well below the national average.
Beckley offers a strong sense of community and a quiet, family-friendly atmosphere.
The city provides access to abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Appalachian Mountains, including rock climbing, hiking, and whitewater rafting.
Drawbacks
Amenities are limited, and nightlife and dining options are sparse, contributing to a lower livability score.
Job opportunities are limited, and many residents commute out of town for work, impacting employment scores.
The city is highly car-dependent with a low walkability score of 15, and public transportation is not readily available.
Concerns exist regarding rising drug use and its impact on community health and safety.
Utility costs can be high in rural West Virginia, potentially offsetting some of the overall affordability benefits.
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.
Beckley
#94West Virginia, USA
65.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$31,431
Cost Index
85
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
15.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
2.70%
Livability
56
Business
60
Alamogordo
#69New 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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