City Comparison
Sparks vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Sparks
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 Sparks.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sparks's average rent is
184% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Sparks | 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 | 104 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 3% 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 Sparks is estimated at
$54,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Sparks | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $63,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 60,577 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $74,500 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Sparks runs warmer on average — a 54.2°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Sparks comes out ahead with 308 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Sparks sees 21.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Sparks | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 54.20°F | °F |
| Summer High | 88.20°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 28.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 18.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 21.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 308 | |
| Humidity | 35.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Sparks has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
7,000 minutes (117 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Sparks scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Sparks leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Sparks | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 23 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 44.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Sparks is the larger city
— approximately 80.2x the population of Wells.
From a growth perspective, Sparks 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 | Sparks | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 108,400 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 37.5 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 4.30% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sparks
Advantages
No state personal income tax in Nevada, providing significant financial savings for residents.
Abundant outdoor recreation centered around the Sparks Marina and proximity to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.
Over 300 days of annual sunshine, supporting an active outdoor lifestyle.
Strategic economic location along Interstate 80 with a booming logistics and industrial job market.
Family-friendly atmosphere featuring master-planned communities, parks, and low crime rates relative to major metros.
Drawbacks
Housing costs and rental rates have risen significantly over recent years due to high demand.
Car dependency is high, as public transit options are limited outside of core bus routes.
High-desert climate brings dry conditions, wildfire smoke risks in summer, and winter temperature swings.
Wages in some service and traditional sectors can lag behind the rising cost of living.
Pollen and desert dust can present challenges for seasonal allergy sufferers.
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.
Sparks
#252Nevada, USA
62.4 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,650
Avg Salary
$63,000
Cost Index
104
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
308/yr
Avg Temp
54.20°F
Pop. Growth
1.50%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
75
Business
72
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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