City Comparison
Lovelock vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Lovelock
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 Lovelock.
Housing costs are a major driver: Lovelock's average rent is
64% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Lovelock | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $580 | +64% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $170 | $180 | -6% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $250 | -8% |
| Monthly Total | $1,860 | $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 Lovelock is estimated at
$45,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Lovelock | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 59,091 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $54,000 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Lovelock runs warmer on average — a 57.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Lovelock comes out ahead with 319 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Lovelock sees 12.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Lovelock | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 57.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 31.00°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 9.00 in | in |
| Snowfall | 12.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 319 | |
| Humidity | 35.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Lovelock has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
10,500 minutes (175 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Lovelock leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Lovelock | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 16 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 25.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Lovelock is the larger city
— approximately 1.6x the population of Wells.
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 | Lovelock | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,200 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.30% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 41.5 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Lovelock
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living are significantly below the national average per US Census data.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities nearby, including Rye Patch Reservoir and Humboldt River access.
Low violent crime rates provide a safe, secure environment for families and retirees.
Strong community identity with unique local heritage and annual events.
Minimal traffic congestion and an easy commute within the local area.
Drawbacks
Limited local employment diversity, heavily reliant on mining, agriculture, and government sectors.
Very limited public transportation options, requiring absolute car dependency.
Fewer dining, shopping, and entertainment options within city limits.
Distance from major metropolitan medical centers and specialized healthcare providers.
Arid desert climate with hot summers and cold winters requiring active climate control.
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.
Lovelock
#326Nevada, USA
60.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
88
Commute
16 min
Transit Score
25.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
319/yr
Avg Temp
57.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.30%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
70
Business
58
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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