Wyoming cost of living
Moving to a new state can be a chance for a new beginning. Not being prepared can put a damper on the excitement, though. It’s important to get the practical matters taken care of so you can make your new place home and start looking for new friends and new adventures.
Moving can also be costly and emotionally draining. Whether you're relocating to Wyoming for a job, a change of scenery or any other reason, understanding the cost of living in the state is crucial for a smooth transition.
The median rent in Wyoming is $1,134.27, versus the national median rent of $1,529.01.
Jump to insightResidents in Wyoming spend $254.24 weekly on food at home and $84.11 on food out.
Jump to insightAs of publishing, the average price per gallon of regular gas is $3.30 in Wyoming.
Jump to insightRecent data shows that employees in Wyoming pay $1,888 annually for employee-sponsored health insurance coverage.
Jump to insightHousing costs in Wyoming
According to recent data from Zillow, the median rent in Wyoming is $1,134.27, while the national median rent is $1,529.01.
Data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows rent prices in Wyoming broken down by home size. As of publishing, one-bedroom apartments in Wyoming had a median cost of $670 per month, and the two-bedroom median cost was $888 per month. Three- and four-bedroom homes had median costs of $1,174 and $1,316, respectively.
As of publishing, the median home price in Wyoming is $371,000, according to Redfin. The U.S. median home price is $436,000.
The median home price in the Cheyenne metro area was $351,700 in the first quarter of 2024, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Wyoming ranks No. 47 for highest effective property tax rates in the nation, according to the most recent Tax Foundation data, at 0.56%.
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Food costs in Wyoming
According to recent census data, the average spent on food to prepare at home each week in Wyoming is $254.24, compared with the U.S. average of $270.21 at the time. Wyoming residents spend an average of $84.11 weekly on food prepared outside the home, compared with the U.S. average of $109.21.
Transportation costs in Wyoming
According to recent data from AAA, the average price per gallon of regular gas in Wyoming is $3.30, compared with the U.S. average of $3.46.
The most recent National Association of Insurance Commissioners data shows that the average auto insurance premium (liability, collision and comprehensive coverage combined) in Wyoming is $998.36, versus the national average of $1,189.50.
Health care costs in Wyoming
The most recent KFF data shows that, on average, employer-sponsored health insurance cost Wyoming employees $1,888 annually, with employers covering the remaining $6,094 of the $7,982 total cost.
Nationwide, the average employee contribution was $1,637 out of a total premium of $7,590.
Utility costs in Wyoming
According to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration, the average monthly electric bill in Wyoming is $98.78, versus $135.25 countrywide.
Recent EIA data also shows that natural gas in Wyoming costs $10.75 per thousand cubic feet, compared with $13.25 nationally.
FAQ
How does the cost of living in Wyoming compare with the national average?
Overall, living in Wyoming costs near the national average, but the state’s cost of living is less expensive than in other Rocky Mountain states, according to our 2023 cost-of-living study.
Is Wyoming a good state for retirees?
It may depend on where in the state you live. Thanks to its reasonable living expenses and outdoor activity options, we named Casper our 20th-best city for retirees in 2024.
How much does it cost to move across the country?
If you’re moving more than 1,000 miles, it’s likely to cost you several thousand dollars to hire professional movers. Fortunately, there are ways to make your cross-country move cheaper.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- Zillow, "Housing Data." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Redfin, "Redfin Data Center." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- Tax Foundation, "Where Do People Pay the Most in Property Taxes?" Accessed May 14, 2024.
- United States Census Bureau, "Week 63 Household Pulse Survey: October 18 - October 30." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- AAA Gas Prices, "State Gas Price Averages." Accessed June 14, 2024.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners, "2020/2021 Auto Insurance Database Report." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- KFF, "Average Annual Single Premium per Enrolled Employee For Employer-Based Health Insurance." Accessed May 14, 2024.
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, "2022 Average Monthly Bill- Residential." Accessed May 14, 2024.