United States
Cost of living in Wyoming
Cost of living in Wyoming comes in at 92.7, placing it 7 percent below the US average and 36th nationally. Wyoming levies no state income tax at all and charges a base sales tax of only 4 percent, giving it one of the lowest combined tax burdens of any US state. For reference, Wyoming sits just below Ohio (92.8) and just above New Mexico (92.2) in the national price ranking. The combination of no income tax and a low sales tax is rare: most no-income-tax states, such as Washington (6.5 percent) and Tennessee (7 percent), offset the absence of income tax with higher consumption levies. Wyoming avoids that trade-off. The state's small permanent population relative to its land area means that Wyoming's public services and infrastructure are partly funded by energy severance taxes rather than resident income taxes, a fiscal structure that has historically allowed low direct taxation on individuals.
Price level
92.7
US = 100
National rank
36th
of 51, dearest first
Income tax
None
none
Sales tax
4%
state base rate
What your salary is worth in Wyoming
Because prices here sit at 92.7 against the national 100, the same paycheck stretches differently than it would elsewhere. These figures hold buying power constant: the salary listed is what you would need in Wyoming to live as you would on the reference amount in another place.
| Same lifestyle as | $60,000 | $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| US average | $55,620 | $92,700 |
| California (dearest) | $50,244 | $83,740 |
| Arkansas (cheapest) | $64,005 | $106,674 |
Compare Wyoming with anywhere in the US
To live the same in California you need
$83,592
to match $70,000 in Wyoming
Price level, US = 100
The equivalent salary keeps your purchasing power constant: it is your pay scaled by the ratio of the two price levels. Regional Price Parities measure what a fixed basket of goods and services costs locally. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.
Wyoming in context
Wyoming's population is concentrated in a handful of small cities. Cheyenne, Casper, and Laramie are the largest, and none approaches the scale of a major metro, which keeps housing prices moderate and amenity costs in line with a smaller-market context. The absence of both income and high sales taxes means that households retain a higher share of earnings than in almost any other state, but Wyoming offers fewer urban amenities, cultural institutions, and healthcare specialties than larger states at similar price levels. Remote and rural living is the norm across most of the state. Energy sector employment, including oil, gas, and coal, has historically driven wages in resource-producing counties. Wyoming appeals to retirees seeking tax efficiency, outdoor enthusiasts, and individuals who place high value on low tax burden and are comfortable with limited urban infrastructure.
The closest state above Wyoming on price is Ohio at 92.8. Just below sits New Mexico at 92.2.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wyoming expensive to live in?
Wyoming sits at a price level of 92.7 where the US average is 100, so a typical basket of goods and services costs about 7% less than the national norm. That ranks it 36th most expensive of 51 states. Housing is usually the largest single driver of the gap.
What salary do you need in Wyoming?
To match the buying power of $60,000 earned at the US average, you would need about $55,620 in Wyoming. The figure scales with the price level: a place dearer than average needs more, a cheaper one needs less. Your own number also depends on housing choice and household size.
How much tax does Wyoming charge?
Wyoming applies no state income tax and a base state sales tax of 4%. No state individual income tax. State sales tax base rate 4.0%. Local jurisdictions can add their own sales tax on top.
Cost of living in other states
Price levels are Regional Price Parities from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (SARPP, MARPP), 2024 (public domain). State tax figures are the latest published rates from state revenue departments. All figures are estimates for general comparison and not financial advice; your own costs depend on housing, household size and lifestyle.