Cost of Living for Wyoming (2026)
Wyoming (WY) Key Facts
Cost of Living Index
96
National Average Index
100
Median Household Income
$68,000
Approximate Median Rent (1 B R)
$900/month
State Income Tax Rate
None (no state income tax)
How This Calculator Works in Wyoming
This cost of living calculator helps you compare salaries between Wyoming and other states or cities by adjusting for purchasing power differences. Enter a salary and a target location to see what equivalent income you would need. It uses Wyoming's cost of living index of 96 relative to the national average of 100 to provide an accurate comparison.
Wyoming Overview
Wyoming has a cost of living index of 96, where 100 represents the national average. Wyoming has a below-average cost of living in most areas, but resort towns like Jackson Hole are among the most expensive places in the country. The state has no income tax. The median household income is $68,000, which has a purchasing power equivalent of approximately $70,833 in an average-cost location.
How Wyoming Compares
Wyoming's cost of living index of 96 compares to Montana's 102 and South Dakota's 92. Residents in Wyoming benefit from lower costs compared to the national average, meaning salaries stretch further here. The most affordable states like Mississippi (84) cost roughly 14% less than Wyoming, while the most expensive like Hawaii (192) cost 100% more.
| State | Top Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | COL Index: 102 | Montana has a cost of living index of 102 and a median household income of $60,000. It is more expensive than Wyoming. |
| South Dakota | COL Index: 92 | South Dakota has a cost of living index of 92 and a median household income of $63,000. It is more affordable than Wyoming. |
| Colorado | COL Index: 105 | Colorado has a cost of living index of 105 and a median household income of $80,000. It is more expensive than Wyoming. |
The national average cost of living index is 100. Wyoming's index of 96 is near the national average. States like Mississippi (84) and West Virginia (84) have the lowest cost of living, while Hawaii (192) and DC (148) have the highest. Wyoming's median household income of $68,000 should be evaluated alongside its cost of living to understand real purchasing power.
Tips for Wyoming Residents
- 1Wyoming has a below-average cost of living in most areas, but resort towns like Jackson Hole are among the most expensive places in the country. The state has no income tax.
- 2Wyoming's median household income of $68,000 has a real purchasing power of about $70,833 when adjusted to the national average. Compare this figure, not the raw salary, when evaluating cross-state moves or job offers.
- 3Wyoming has no state income tax, which effectively increases your purchasing power compared to states with similar costs of living but income tax obligations.
- 4When comparing job offers between states, adjust salaries by the cost of living index. A $60,000 salary in a state with an index of 90 provides more purchasing power than $70,000 in a state with an index above 105.
- 5Look beyond the state average — costs can vary dramatically within Wyoming between metro areas, suburbs, and rural communities. Research the specific city or county where you would live.