City Comparison
Elko vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Elko
Wells
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
28% lower than in Elko.
Housing costs are a major driver: Elko's average rent is
87% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Elko | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,087 | $580 | +87% |
| Groceries | $415 | $400 | +4% |
| Utilities | $267 | $180 | +48% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $2,119 | $1,530 | +38% |
| Cost Index | 105 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elko offers 11% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elko delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Elko is estimated at
$43,476 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Elko | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $72,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $43,476 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 68,571 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $79,036 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Elko runs warmer on average — a 53.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Elko comes out ahead with 314 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Elko sees 34.1 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Elko | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 86.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 27.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 11.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 34.10 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 314 | |
| Humidity | % | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Elko has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
8,500 minutes (142 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Wells leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Elko | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 20 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | — | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | — | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elko is the larger city
— approximately 15.8x the population of Wells.
From a growth perspective, Wells is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Elko has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Elko | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,357 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.66% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 33.2 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 2.80% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Elko
Advantages
Elko County had a low unemployment rate of 2.8% in August 2026, indicating a strong job market.
The city boasts a rich cultural scene, hosting events like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering and the National Basque Festival.
The median days on market for homes was 26 days in September 2026, down significantly year-over-year, suggesting properties move quickly.
Elko's average commute time is relatively short, estimated at 20 minutes.
The safety index for Elko was 76 in 2026, indicating a generally safe environment.
Drawbacks
Median rent prices in Elko saw a substantial year-over-year increase of 97.75% to $2,373 per month in September 2026.
Elko is considered a car-dependent city with limited public transit options.
The cost of living in Elko is higher than 71% of cities in North America as of September 2026.
The housing market was a buyer's market in September 2026, with homes selling for approximately the asking price on average, but with a supply greater than demand.
Specific data on advanced healthcare services and specialized medical costs for Elko are not readily available.
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.
Elko
#167Nevada, USA
64.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,087
Avg Salary
$72,000
Cost Index
105
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
—
Walkability
—
Sunny Days
314/yr
Avg Temp
53.20°F
Pop. Growth
0.66%
Unemployment
2.80%
Livability
72
Business
70
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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