Roswell vs Albuquerque

Category / Metric	Roswell	Albuquerque
Financial Overview
Median Income	$50,294	$67,907
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$217,000	$300,100
Price per SqFt	$140	$null
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$935	$1,005
Housing Cost Index	107.5	88.8
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	91.6	95.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	778.3	1189.0
Bachelor's Degree+	19.6%	39.6%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	26

Let’s get one thing straight: choosing between Albuquerque and Roswell isn’t just picking a dot on a map. It’s choosing between a bustling, high-desert metropolis with a rich cultural scene and a small, iconic town where the skies hold secrets (and, honestly, a lot of wide-open space).

I’ve crunched the numbers, lived the lifestyle, and I’m here to give you the unfiltered truth. This isn’t a tourist brochure; it’s a relocation roadmap. Whether you’re a family, a young professional, or looking to retire, let’s find your perfect fit.

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The Vibe Check: High Desert Energy vs. Small-Town Mystic

Albuquerque is the beating heart of New Mexico. It’s a city of nearly 560,000 people that feels much larger than its population suggests. The culture here is a vibrant blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo influences. Think world-class museums, a legendary hot air balloon festival, a growing tech and film industry, and a food scene that’s legitimately famous (green chile isn’t just a condiment; it’s a way of life). The vibe is laid-back but ambitious, with the Sandia Mountains providing a stunning backdrop to daily life.

Roswell, on the other hand, is a town of 47,823 that leans into its quirky, extraterrestrial identity. It’s a place where you’ll see alien-themed streetlights and a museum dedicated to the 1947 crash. Life here is slower, quieter, and deeply rooted in community. It’s the definition of a “where everybody knows your name” kind of town. The main drag is manageable, the traffic is non-existent, and the pace is refreshingly deliberate.

Who is it for?

• Albuquerque is for the urbanite who loves the outdoors, craves cultural amenities, and wants a city that feels distinct and authentic. It’s for families who want good schools and activities, and for young professionals seeking a blend of affordability and opportunity.
• Roswell is for those who prioritize peace, quiet, and affordability above all else. It’s for retirees who want a slower pace, families who dream of a backyard big enough for a horse, and anyone who finds charm in small-town quirks and wide-open skies.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

Let’s talk brass tacks. Your salary stretches much further in New Mexico than the national average, but the gap between these two cities is significant.

The Data at a Glance:

Category	Albuquerque	Roswell	Winner
Median Income	$67,907	$50,294	Albuquerque
Median Home Price	$300,100	****$217,000**	Roswell
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,005	$935	Roswell
Housing Index	88.8	107.5	Albuquerque

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Here’s the kicker: while Albuquerque’s median income is higher, Roswell’s lower home prices can create a surprising purchasing power advantage. Let’s break it down.

If you earn $100,000 (well above the median in both places), your money goes further in Roswell. A $217,000 home requires a much smaller mortgage than a $300,100 home in Albuquerque. The $70 monthly rent difference might not seem like much, but over a year, that’s $840 back in your pocket. However, Albuquerque’s higher median income suggests a more robust job market with better-paying opportunities, especially in sectors like healthcare, education, and tech.

The Tax Twist: New Mexico has a progressive income tax rate, ranging from 1.7% to 5.9%. Unlike Texas (which has no state income tax), you’ll feel this on your paycheck. However, property taxes in New Mexico are relatively low compared to many states, which benefits homeowners.

Verdict: For raw affordability on housing and rent, Roswell wins. For higher earning potential and a more diverse economy, Albuquerque takes the lead.

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The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Wait?

Albuquerque: The market here is competitive but not cutthroat. With a Housing Index of 88.8, it’s below the national average, meaning it’s relatively affordable. However, the median home price of $300,100 is rising. It’s a neutral market—neither a blatant buyer’s nor seller’s market. You’ll have options, but you’ll need to be prepared to move quickly on good listings. Renting is a solid option, with plenty of inventory.

Roswell: With a Housing Index of 107.5, Roswell is slightly less affordable than Albuquerque relative to local incomes. But don’t let that scare you—the median home price of $217,000 is a dream compared to national averages. The market is slower, with fewer transactions. You can take your time, negotiate harder, and find unique properties (like homes on acreage) that would be impossible in a major city. It’s a buyer’s market, especially for those who want space.

Verdict: For sheer affordability and the ability to buy a home without breaking the bank, Roswell is the clear winner. For a more dynamic housing market with better rental options and appreciation potential, Albuquerque has the edge.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Albuquerque: Traffic exists, especially during rush hour on I-25 and I-40. The average commute is around 22 minutes. It’s manageable but a step up from small-town life.
• Roswell: Traffic is a non-issue. You can cross town in 10 minutes. The average commute is negligible. This is a massive win for quality of life if you hate sitting in your car.

Weather

• Albuquerque: High-desert climate. 39°F is the average January low, but it’s a dry cold. Summers are hot (highs often in the 90s), with plenty of sunshine (over 300 days a year). Low humidity is a huge plus for many.
• Roswell: Slightly milder winters (55°F average January low) but with more humidity and wind. Summers can be hot and dry, but the overall climate is a bit more variable. It’s less extreme than Albuquerque but feels less consistently sunny.

Crime & Safety
Let’s be honest, this is a critical factor. The data speaks volumes.

• Albuquerque: Violent Crime Rate: 1,189.0/100k. This is a serious issue. Albuquerque struggles with property and violent crime at rates significantly above the national average. It’s not a city where you leave your bike unlocked or ignore basic precautions.
• Roswell: Violent Crime Rate: 778.3/100k. While still above the national average, it’s notably lower than Albuquerque. Small-town dynamics often mean crime is more personal and less random, but safety is generally perceived as better.

Verdict: For safety and a stress-free commute, Roswell wins. For weather consistency and sunshine, Albuquerque takes it.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

This isn’t about one city being “better”—it’s about which one is better for you.

🏆 Winner for Families: Albuquerque
Why? Better school districts (like the highly-rated Albuquerque Public Schools), more extracurricular activities (museums, libraries, sports leagues), and a wider variety of neighborhoods. The higher median income and job opportunities also provide more stability. The trade-off is the higher cost of living and safety concerns you must actively navigate.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Albuquerque
Why? The social scene, networking opportunities, and cultural events are light-years ahead of Roswell. You’ll meet more people, find more diverse career paths, and have more to do on a Friday night. The cost is higher, but the energy and opportunity are worth it for this demographic.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Roswell
Why? The slow pace, lower living costs (especially housing), and small-town community are ideal for retirees. You can find a peaceful home, enjoy the quiet, and still have access to basic amenities. The trade-off is limited healthcare options (you’ll often travel to Albuquerque for specialists) and fewer entertainment choices.

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Final Pros & Cons

Albuquerque

• Pros: Higher median income, diverse job market, rich culture & food scene, world-class outdoor access (hiking, skiing), better schools, more amenities.
• Cons: Higher cost of living, significant crime rates, traffic, less affordable housing than Roswell.

Roswell

• Pros: Very low housing costs, minimal traffic, tight-knit community, quirky charm, lower violent crime rate, slower pace of life.
• Cons: Limited job opportunities, fewer cultural amenities, smaller healthcare network, can feel isolated, wind and humidity.

Bottom Line: Choose Albuquerque if you want a city with opportunity, culture, and a vibrant lifestyle, and you’re willing to manage the higher costs and safety considerations. Choose Roswell if affordability, peace, and a tight community are your top priorities, and you’re okay with a quieter, smaller-town existence.

Now, go where you’ll thrive.