Performance
Score Breakdown
Harrisburg
Alamogordo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Alamogordo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
5% higher compared to Harrisburg.
Housing costs are a major driver: Harrisburg's average rent is
15% higher than Alamogordo's.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Alamogordo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,265 | $1,098 | +15% |
| Groceries | $400 | $346 | +16% |
| Utilities | $180 | $307 | -41% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $150 | $150 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,115 | $2,021 | +5% |
| Cost Index | 101 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Harrisburg offers 4% higher 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 Harrisburg is estimated at
$55,000 vs $40,992 in Alamogordo.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $61,016 | $58,673 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $40,992 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,412 idx | 65,192 idx |
| Household Income | $108,724 | $55,952 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Harrisburg has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 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 | Harrisburg | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 19 min | 22 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 0.0/10 | 24.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Alamogordo is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Harrisburg.
From a growth perspective, Harrisburg is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Harrisburg has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Harrisburg | Alamogordo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,791 | 31,276 |
| Pop. Growth | 2.50% | % |
| Median Age | 31.1 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 0.80% | 4.70% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Harrisburg
Advantages
Harrisburg boasts a very low unemployment rate of 0.8% as of 2026, significantly lower than the national average.
The city has a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
Harrisburg is experiencing rapid population growth, indicating a dynamic and expanding community.
The median household income of $108,724 is well above the national average, reflecting strong economic opportunity.
The average commute time of 19 minutes is shorter than the national average, improving daily convenience for residents.
Drawbacks
The cost of living in Harrisburg is slightly higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs.
Public transportation options are limited or non-existent, leading to high car dependency.
Walkability scores are low or unavailable, indicating a less pedestrian-friendly environment.
Rapid population growth can place pressure on local infrastructure and resources.
There are no major hospitals directly within Harrisburg, requiring travel to Sioux Falls for comprehensive healthcare.
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.
Harrisburg
#13South Dakota, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,265
Avg Salary
$61,016
Cost Index
101
Commute
19 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
0.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
2.50%
Unemployment
0.80%
Livability
80
Business
70
Alamogordo
#65New 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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