Salary to Live Comfortably in Wyoming

Thinking about a move to Wyoming? Before you pack, you’ll want to know the paycheck size that lets you enjoy the lifestyle without worrying about bills. Wyoming is famous for wide open spaces, low taxes and a relaxed vibe, but the cost of living still varies by city and by what you consider “comfortable.” Let’s break down the numbers so you can plan better.

How Much Does Housing Cost?

Housing is the biggest line item for most budgets. In Cheyenne, a one‑bedroom apartment in the downtown area runs about $1,200 a month, while the same place in a smaller town like Casper might be $950. If you buy a house, the median price across the state is around $260,000. Assuming a 20% down payment and a 30‑year loan at 5% interest, your monthly mortgage will be roughly $1,200‑$1,400, plus property tax (about 0.7% of the home value) and insurance.

Everyday Expenses: Food, Transport, and Taxes

Groceries in Wyoming are close to the national average. A family of four typically spends $700‑$800 a month on food. If you cook at home most of the time, you can keep this number lower. Transportation costs are modest because gas is cheap (around $3.10 per gallon) and the state has no vehicle registration fees based on value. Expect to spend $150‑$200 a month on fuel if you drive 1,000 miles.

One of Wyoming’s biggest draws is its tax structure. There’s no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Sales tax is 4% statewide, with a small extra in some counties. Property tax, as mentioned, averages 0.7% of home value, which is lower than most states.

Putting it all together, a single person living modestly in a mid‑size city needs about $45,000‑$55,000 after tax to cover rent, food, transport, utilities and a little extra for fun. A family of four looking for a mortgage, school expenses and a comfortable lifestyle should aim for $80,000‑$95,000 after tax.

How do you reach those numbers? Start by calculating your take‑home pay. Without state income tax, a $60,000 salary nets roughly $48,000 after federal tax, which is enough for a single renter in Cheyenne. If you want a house and a family, a $100,000 salary leaves you with about $80,000 after federal tax, comfortably covering a mortgage and family costs.

Here are three quick tips to stretch your Wyoming dollars:

• Shop local markets. Fresh produce from farmers’ markets is cheaper than grocery chains and supports the community.
• Consider smaller towns. Places like Laramie or Sheridan often have lower rent and still offer good schools and amenities.
• Take advantage of tax breaks. Wyoming offers homestead exemptions and other property tax relief programs you can apply for.

Remember, “comfortable” means different things to different people. Use the figures above as a starting point, then adjust based on your own priorities—whether that’s a bigger home, more travel, or extra savings.

Bottom line: because Wyoming has no state income tax and relatively low housing costs, a salary of $50,000 – $60,000 works for a single adult, while $85,000 – $100,000 is a solid range for a family looking to buy a home and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.