Roswell vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Roswell	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$119,657	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	3.5%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$648,000	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$233	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,643	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	110.9	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	99.8	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	400.7	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	—	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	27	52

Los Angeles vs. Roswell: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you’re standing at a crossroads. On one side, the sprawling, sun-drenched concrete jungle of Los Angeles—the land of dreams, traffic, and Hollywood glamour. On the other, the quiet, historic charm of Roswell, New Mexico—a place where the pace slows down, the air is crisp, and the cost of living won’t send you into cardiac arrest.

Choosing between these two is less about picking a city and more about picking a lifestyle. One promises the fast-paced, high-stakes hustle of a global metropolis. The other offers a grounded, budget-friendly existence with a unique character all its own.

Let’s break it down, head-to-head, with no punches pulled.

The Vibe Check: Hollywood Glam vs. Desert Charm

Los Angeles is a beast of a city, a 17-million-person metroplex where ambition is the primary currency. The vibe here is electric, intense, and relentlessly creative. It’s the epicenter of the entertainment industry, a tech hub, and a cultural melting pot. You’re not just living in a city; you’re living in an idea—the American Dream, amplified. The social scene is vibrant and endless, but so is the competition. This is a city for the go-getters, the hustlers, the artists, and those who thrive on energy and opportunity.

Roswell, by contrast, is a breath of fresh air—literally. Located in the high desert of southeastern New Mexico, it’s a city of ~92,000 people that feels like a tight-knit community. Its claim to fame is the 1947 UFO incident, which has been cleverly monetized into a quirky, fun culture. The vibe is laid-back, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the land. It’s a place where you know your neighbors, the cost of living is a fraction of LA’s, and the pace of life is dictated by the sunrise and sunset over the desert plains. Roswell is for those seeking simplicity, affordability, and a strong sense of place.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. The sticker shock when moving from Roswell to Los Angeles is real, and it’s brutal.

Let’s look at the numbers.

Category	Los Angeles	Roswell	Winner
Median Income	$79,701	$119,657	Roswell
Median Home Price	$1,002,500	$648,000	Roswell
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,643	Roswell
Housing Index	173.0	110.9	Roswell

The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
At first glance, Roswell’s median income of $119,657 looks significantly higher than LA’s $79,701. That’s a massive $49,956 difference. But let’s dig deeper. This isn’t just about who earns more; it’s about what that money buys you.

In Los Angeles, that median income of ~$80k is a tough row to hoe. After California’s high state income tax (which can range from 1% to 13.3%), your take-home pay takes a serious hit. That $1,002,500 median home price is a mountain few can climb without significant wealth or a dual high income. The $2,006 average rent for a one-bedroom apartment eats up a huge chunk of your monthly budget. In LA, you’re working hard just to afford a modest lifestyle.

In Roswell, the story is reversed. New Mexico has a progressive state income tax, but it’s generally more forgiving than California’s. The real magic is the purchasing power. With a median income of $119,657 and a median home price of $648,000, your dollars stretch dramatically further. That $1,643 rent is more manageable. The Housing Index—where 100 is the national average—tells the tale: LA is 73% more expensive for housing than the average U.S. city, while Roswell is only about 11% more expensive.

Insight on Taxes: While Texas (often a comparison city) has 0% state income tax, neither LA (CA) nor Roswell (NM) offers that. However, New Mexico’s tax structure is generally more business- and middle-class-friendly than California’s. The real win for Roswell isn’t tax-free status, but the sheer cost-of-living advantage that makes a high median income go much, much further.

Verdict on Dollar Power: For pure purchasing power and financial breathing room, Roswell wins by a landslide. In LA, your income is a target for high costs. In Roswell, it’s a tool for building wealth and stability.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent in Two Different Worlds

Los Angeles: The housing market here is a seller’s dream and a buyer’s nightmare. With a median home price over $1 million, the barrier to entry is astronomical. The market is fiercely competitive, with bidding wars driving prices even higher. Renting is the default for most, but even that is a financial strain. Availability is tight, and what’s available is often old, small, and in need of work. If you’re looking to buy, you need deep pockets or a massive down payment. The housing index of 173.0 confirms you’re paying a premium for the privilege of living in LA.

Roswell: The market here is far more accessible. The median home price of $648,000 is still high for the region but is a world away from LA. The Housing Index of 110.9 shows it’s above average for the U.S., but not prohibitively so. The market is more balanced, leaning toward a buyer’s market in many segments. You get more square footage, land, and modern amenities for your money. Renting is also a viable, less stressful option, with lower costs and more availability.

Insight: In LA, housing is an investment and a status symbol, often tying up all your capital. In Roswell, it’s a practical asset that can be acquired without financial ruin, leaving room in your budget for travel, savings, or hobbies.

Verdict on Housing: Roswell wins for affordability, accessibility, and getting more bang for your buck. LA’s market is for the wealthy or the desperate, while Roswell’s is for the pragmatic.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference overrides data.

Traffic & Commute:

• Los Angeles: Infamous. The "405" is a verb. Commutes can easily be 90 minutes each way. Owning a car is mandatory, and gas prices are among the nation’s highest. This daily grind is a major quality-of-life drain.
• Roswell: Minimal. Traffic is a non-issue. Most errands are a 10-15 minute drive. The stress of the commute is virtually nonexistent.

Weather:

• Los Angeles: Mediterranean paradise. Average temps are in the 50s-70s°F year-round. It’s dry, sunny, and consistently pleasant. The biggest weather complaint is the lack of seasons.
• Roswell: High desert climate. Average temps are in the 50s°F, but with a twist: four distinct seasons. Summers are hot (often 90°F+), winters can get cold with occasional snow, and spring/fall are delightful. Humidity is very low. It’s a more variable, "real" climate.

Crime & Safety:
This is a critical, honest point.

• Los Angeles: The violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100k. This is significantly higher than the national average. Safety varies wildly by neighborhood; some areas are very safe, while others have serious issues. The "big city" problems exist.
• Roswell: The violent crime rate is 400.7 per 100k. While lower than LA, it's still above the U.S. average (approx. 380/100k). It’s safer than LA, but not a crime-free utopia. As a smaller city, the risks are different but still present.

Insight: LA’s safety is neighborhood-dependent and requires vigilance. Roswell offers a generally lower crime rate but with the trade-off of a less diverse, more insulated community feel.

Verdict on Dealbreakers: This is a split decision.

• Weather: Los Angeles (if you hate snow/heat).
• Commute: Roswell (by a mile).
• Safety: Roswell (statistically).

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?

After digging into the data and the lifestyle, the choice becomes clearer for different demographics.

🏆 Winner for Families: Roswell
For raising a family, Roswell is the clear champion. The purchasing power allows for a larger home, a yard, and financial stability. The lower crime rate (compared to LA) and the slower, community-oriented pace are ideal for kids. You can afford one parent to stay home or invest in better schools without being house-poor. LA’s high cost and stress are a tough environment for family life unless you’re in the top 10% of earners.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the undeniable winner for ambitious singles and young professionals. The career opportunities, networking potential, and social/dating scene are unparalleled. The energy and diversity are fuel for growth. The high cost is the price of admission for a global stage. Roswell’s social scene for a young single person would feel limited and isolating.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Roswell
For retirees, Roswell offers a compelling package. Lower living costs mean retirement savings go further. The slower pace, warmer summers (for snowbirds), and peaceful desert environment are perfect for a relaxed retirement. LA’s traffic, noise, and high costs are generally less appealing for those seeking tranquility in their golden years.

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City Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• World-class career opportunities in entertainment, tech, and business.
• Incredible cultural diversity and food scene.
• Consistently perfect, sunny weather.
• Vibrant social life and endless things to do.
• Proximity to beaches, mountains, and deserts.

Cons:

• Astronomical cost of living, especially housing.
• Brutal, soul-crushing traffic.
• High state income tax and general expenses.
• Significant crime issues in many areas.
• Highly competitive, high-stress environment.

Roswell

Pros:

• Excellent purchasing power and affordable cost of living.
• Lower violent crime rate than LA.
• Minimal traffic and commute times.
• Quirky, unique culture with a strong community feel.
• Access to stunning high-desert landscapes and outdoor activities.

Cons:

• Limited career opportunities outside of specific sectors (education, government, healthcare).
• Harsh summers with extreme heat.
• Smaller social and cultural scene.
• Can feel isolated or "boring" for those used to big-city energy.
• Limited diversity compared to major metros.

The Bottom Line: Choose Los Angeles if your career is your top priority and you’re willing to pay a premium for sunshine and opportunity. Choose Roswell if you value financial freedom, a slower pace of life, and a strong sense of community over the hustle of a global city.