City Comparison
Winnemucca vs Wells
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Wells scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Winnemucca
Wells
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Wells is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
23% lower than in Winnemucca.
Housing costs are a major driver: Winnemucca's average rent is
90% higher than Wells's.
| Metric | Winnemucca | Wells | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $580 | +90% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $175 | $180 | -3% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,985 | $1,530 | +30% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 96 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Wells offers 11% 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 Winnemucca is estimated at
$48,000 vs $55,000 in Wells.
| Metric | Winnemucca | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $58,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 63,043 idx | 67,708 idx |
| Household Income | $68,500 | $107,454 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Winnemucca runs warmer on average — a 53.9°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Winnemucca comes out ahead with 321 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Winnemucca sees 19.5 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Winnemucca | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 53.90°F | °F |
| Summer High | 87.80°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 27.30°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 9.70 in | in |
| Snowfall | 19.50 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 321 | |
| Humidity | 45.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Winnemucca has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
11,000 minutes (183 hours) per year compared to Wells.
Wells scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Winnemucca leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Winnemucca | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 37 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Walkability | 52.0/100 | 36.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 20.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Winnemucca is the larger city
— approximately 6.2x 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 | Winnemucca | Wells |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 8,431 | 1,352 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 1.20% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 36.7 |
| Unemployment | 5.20% | 4.10% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Winnemucca
Advantages
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain significantly lower than the national average.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, hunting, and nearby hot springs.
Low crime rates and a strong sense of community safety across neighborhoods.
Steady local economy driven by robust mining and agricultural operations in Humboldt County.
Minimal traffic congestion and an easy, stress-free daily commute.
Drawbacks
Geographic isolation means specialized shopping and medical care require traveling to Reno.
Extreme summer high temperatures and cold winter conditions can test unprepared residents.
Limited public transportation infrastructure makes owning a car mandatory.
Economic sectors are heavily tied to natural resources, exposing the area to commodity market cycles.
Limited high-end dining, cultural entertainment, and nightlife options within city limits.
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.
Winnemucca
#205Nevada, USA
63.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$58,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
52.0/100
Sunny Days
321/yr
Avg Temp
53.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
5.20%
Livability
72
Business
65
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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