Performance
Score Breakdown
Wells
Pawtucket
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
44% lower compared to Pawtucket.
Housing costs are a major driver: Wells's average rent is
68% lower than Pawtucket's.
| Metric | Wells | Pawtucket | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $580 | $1,788 | -68% |
| Groceries | $400 | $400 | 0% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $120 | $90 | +33% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $250 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $1,530 | $2,708 | -44% |
| Cost Index | 96 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Pawtucket offers 2% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Pawtucket delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Wells is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Pawtucket.
| Metric | Wells | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $65,000 | $66,498 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 67,708 idx | 69,998 idx |
| Household Income | $107,454 | $68,310 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Wells | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 65.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Pawtucket has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
5,500 minutes (92 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Pawtucket scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Pawtucket leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Wells | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 37 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 36.0/10 | 55.0/10 |
| Walkability | 36.0/10 | 71.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Pawtucket is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Wells is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Pawtucket has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Wells | Pawtucket |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,352 | 75,893 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.20% | 1.10% |
| Median Age | 36.7 | 37.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.10% | 3.90% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
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.
Pawtucket
Advantages
Pawtucket is the third most walkable city in Rhode Island, with a Walk Score of 71, making it easy to run errands on foot.
The median household income in Pawtucket was $68,310 in 2024, which is competitive within the region.
Pawtucket's cost of living is generally more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 95.
The city has a rich industrial history and is home to the Slater Mill Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Pawtucket has a growing arts scene and is actively involved in community development programs.
Drawbacks
Pawtucket has a crime rate that is considerably higher than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 307.6 per 100,000 residents in 2024.
The unemployment rate in Pawtucket was 3.9% as of June 2026, which is higher than the national average of 4.1% in 2024.
Pawtucket's walkability score of 41 indicates a significant car dependency, despite its overall walkability ranking in the state.
While improving, the crime trajectory in Pawtucket is noted as 'improving' based on 5 years of data, suggesting past higher rates.
Pawtucket has a higher poverty rate (13.3%) than the national average (12.5%).
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Wells
#27Nevada, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$580
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
96
Commute
37 min
Transit Score
36.0/10
Walkability
36.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.20%
Unemployment
4.10%
Livability
74
Business
68
Pawtucket
#27Rhode Island, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,788
Avg Salary
$66,498
Cost Index
95
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/10
Walkability
71.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.10%
Unemployment
3.90%
Livability
74
Business
68
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