City Comparison
Fernley vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Fernley
Wells
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
41% lower than in Fernley.
Housing costs are a major driver: Fernley's average rent is
184% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Fernley | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,650 | $580 | +184% |
| Groceries | $420 | $400 | +5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $130 | $120 | +8% |
| Healthcare | $240 | $250 | -4% |
| Monthly Total | $2,615 | $1,530 | +71% |
| Cost Index | 98 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 2% 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 Fernley is estimated at
$54,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Fernley | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $64,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,306 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $69,500 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Fernley runs warmer on average — a 56.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Fernley comes out ahead with 325 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Fernley sees 11.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Fernley | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 56.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 90.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 30.20°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 7.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 11.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 325 | |
| Humidity | 35.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Fernley has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
4,500 minutes (75 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Fernley leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Fernley | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 28 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 40.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 42.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Fernley is the larger city
— approximately 17.3x the population of Wells.
From a growth perspective, Fernley 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 | Fernley | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 23,377 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 39.2 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.50% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Fernley
Advantages
No state income tax in Nevada provides direct financial benefits for residents and workers.
Proximity to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center offers robust local job opportunities in manufacturing and logistics.
Median home prices remain more affordable than in nearby Reno and Sparks per regional MLS data.
Abundant access to outdoor recreation, including Pyramid Lake and high desert trails.
Small-town community atmosphere paired with convenient interstate access.
Drawbacks
High car dependency due to limited public transportation options within city limits.
Limited local dining, entertainment, and cultural amenities require trips to Reno for variety.
High summer temperatures can exceed 90°F regularly, increasing seasonal cooling costs.
Limited local specialty healthcare services require travel to major regional hospitals.
Rapid industrial growth has led to increased truck traffic along key local corridors.
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.
Fernley
#190Nevada, USA
64.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$64,000
Cost Index
98
Commute
28 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
325/yr
Avg Temp
56.70°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
4.50%
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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