City Comparison
Caliente vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Caliente
Wells
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
18% lower than in Caliente.
Housing costs are a major driver: Caliente's average rent is
64% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Caliente | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $580 | +64% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $140 | $120 | +17% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,865 | $1,530 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 88 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 20% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Wells delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Caliente is estimated at
$42,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Caliente | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $51,000 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Caliente runs warmer on average — a 59.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Caliente comes out ahead with 327 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Caliente sees 10.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Caliente | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 59.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.40°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 31.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 7.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 10.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 327 | |
| Humidity | 30.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Caliente has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,000 minutes (183 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Caliente leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Caliente | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 20.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 15.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Wells is the larger city
— approximately 0.8x the population of Caliente.
From a growth perspective, Wells is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Wells has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Caliente | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,100 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 46.0 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Caliente
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are substantially lower than the US national average.
Exceptional public safety with very low crime rates providing a secure environment for residents.
Immediate proximity to stunning Nevada state parks including Cathedral Gorge and Kershaw-Ryan.
Abundant sunshine with approximately 327 sunny days per year supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Peaceful, small-town community atmosphere free from urban traffic congestion and noise.
Drawbacks
Geographic isolation requires significant driving times to access major shopping, airports, and specialized healthcare.
Limited local job market with employment heavily concentrated in government and public services.
Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, driving up seasonal cooling and utility costs.
Limited selection of dining, retail, and entertainment options within city limits.
Small rental inventory can make finding immediate housing challenging for newcomers.
Wells
Advantages
Wells offers a cost of living that is 7% lower than the Nevada average and 4% lower than the national average, with housing costs being 18% lower than the national average.
The violent crime rate in Wells is 0.9 per 1,000 residents, which is 75% below the national average.
The median household income in Wells saw a significant increase of 41.5% from 2023 to 2024, reaching $107,454.
Wells is considered a buyer's market, indicating a favorable environment for those looking to purchase a home.
The town provides a sparse suburban feel with a strong sense of community, appealing to those seeking a quieter lifestyle.
Drawbacks
Public transit is not widely available, and the city has low walkability and transit scores, making car ownership essential.
The poverty rate in Wells is 21.3%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5%.
Specific data on the number of hospitals and comprehensive healthcare services in Wells is limited, potentially requiring travel to larger cities for specialized care.
While home prices have seen increases, some reports indicate a recent decrease in median property value.
The town's economy is concentrated in a few key industries, which could lead to vulnerability to sector-specific downturns.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Caliente
#181Nevada, USA
64.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
20.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
327/yr
Avg Temp
59.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
4.50%
Livability
73
Business
55
Wells
#113Nevada, USA
66.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$580
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
37 min
Transit Score
36.0/100
Walkability
36.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
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