Have you ever wondered which cities in Wyoming come with the heftiest price tags?
While the Cowboy State is often associated with wide-open spaces and affordable living, some cities stand out for their higher costs of living.
In this article, we’ll dive into the data and explore the most expensive cities in Wyoming, examining factors such as median home prices, cost of living indices, and key economic drivers.
By the end of this piece, you’ll have a clearer picture of which Wyoming cities require a more substantial budget and which ones offer a more affordable lifestyle.
Get ready to discover the hidden costs of living in the Equality State!
| City | Median Home Price | Cost of Living Index | Median Household Income | Average Rent (1-Bedroom) | Key Economic Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jackson | $2,066,686 | 149 | $70,000 | $2,500 | Tourism |
| Cody | $469,664 | 104 | $60,000 | $1,200 | Tourism |
| Rock Springs | $264,064 | 100 | $75,000 | $800 | Energy Industry |
| Powell | $392,071 | 102 | $62,899 | $900 | Agriculture |
| Gillette | $300,000 | 98 | $80,000 | $850 | Energy Industry |
| Laramie | $352,868 | 100 | $65,000 | $950 | Education |
| Lander | $350,000 | 97 | $60,000 | $1,000 | Healthcare |
| Cheyenne | $350,000 | 100 | $64,598 | $1,000 | Government |
| Sheridan | $419,948 | 103 | $65,000 | $1,100 | Tourism |
| Green River | $217,500 | 93 | $70,000 | $700 | Energy Industry |
10 Expensive Cities in Wyoming
1. Jackson
What makes Jackson the most expensive city in Wyoming?
Jackson, located in the picturesque Jackson Hole Valley, is the most expensive city in Wyoming.
The city’s proximity to world-class ski resorts, national parks, and outdoor recreation opportunities has made it a popular destination for tourists and wealthy second-home owners.
How do housing costs in Jackson compare to the state average?
According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the median home value in Jackson is $2,066,686, which is significantly higher than the state average of $254,900.
The high demand for housing in Jackson, coupled with limited land availability due to the surrounding mountains, has driven up property prices.
What are the main factors driving the high cost of living in Jackson?
In addition to housing costs, Jackson’s remote location and reliance on tourism contribute to higher prices for goods and services.
The city’s cost of living index is 149, meaning that living expenses are 49% higher than the national average.
2. Cody
What is the median home price in Cody?
Cody, located in northwest Wyoming, has a median home price of $469,664. While lower than Jackson, this is still significantly higher than the state average.
How does the cost of living in Cody compare to other cities in Wyoming?
Cody’s cost of living index is 104, indicating that living expenses are 4% higher than the national average. This makes it one of the more expensive cities in Wyoming, although still more affordable than Jackson.
What amenities and attractions make Cody a desirable place to live despite the high costs?
Cody is known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, as well as its rich history and cultural attractions.
The city is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, which includes five museums showcasing the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
3. Rock Springs
What industries drive the economy in Rock Springs?
Rock Springs, located in southwest Wyoming, has an economy primarily driven by the energy industry. The city is a hub for coal mining, oil and gas extraction, and related services.
How have housing costs in Rock Springs changed over the past decade?
Housing costs in Rock Springs have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with a median home price of $264,064 as of 2022.
This is slightly higher than the state average but still more affordable than cities like Jackson and Cody.
What is the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rock Springs?
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Rock Springs is around $800 per month, which is lower than the national average of $1,100.
4. Powell
What is the median household income in Powell?
The median household income in Powell is $62,899, which is slightly lower than the state median of $65,003.
How does the cost of living in Powell compare to the national average?
Powell’s cost of living index is 102, indicating that living expenses are 2% higher than the national average. This makes it a relatively affordable city compared to others in Wyoming.
What types of housing options are available in Powell?
Powell offers a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The median home value in Powell is $392,071, which is higher than the state average but still more affordable than cities like Jackson and Cody.
5. Gillette
What is the unemployment rate in Gillette?
As of 2022, the unemployment rate in Gillette is 3.4%, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%.
How do transportation costs in Gillette compare to other Wyoming cities?
Transportation costs in Gillette are relatively affordable compared to other Wyoming cities. The average commute time is around 18 minutes, and the city has a low traffic congestion index.
What is the average cost of utilities in Gillette?
The average cost of utilities in Gillette, including electricity, natural gas, and water, is around $150 per month for a 915-square-foot apartment. This is slightly lower than the national average of $160.
6. Laramie
What is the cost of living index for Laramie?
Laramie’s cost of living index is 100, indicating that living expenses are on par with the national average. This makes it one of the more affordable cities in Wyoming.
How do grocery prices in Laramie compare to the state average?
Grocery prices in Laramie are slightly lower than the state average, with a cost of living index for groceries of 98.4.
What is the median home value in Laramie?
The median home value in Laramie is $352,868, which is higher than the state average but still more affordable than cities like Jackson and Cody.
7. Lander
What is the average cost of healthcare in Lander?
The average cost of healthcare in Lander is slightly lower than the national average, with a cost of living index for healthcare of 97.
How do childcare costs in Lander compare to other Wyoming cities?
Childcare costs in Lander are relatively affordable compared to other Wyoming cities, with an average cost of $800 per month for full-time care.
What is the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Lander?
The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Lander is around $1,000 per month, which is lower than the national average of $1,300.
8. Cheyenne
What is the median household income in Cheyenne?
The median household income in Cheyenne is $64,598, which is slightly lower than the state median of $65,003.
How do transportation costs in Cheyenne compare to the national average?
Transportation costs in Cheyenne are slightly lower than the national average, with a cost of living index for transportation of 97.
What is the average cost of dining out in Cheyenne?
The average cost of a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Cheyenne is around $15, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $50.
9. Sheridan
What is the median home price in Sheridan?
The median home price in Sheridan is $419,948, which is higher than the state average but still more affordable than cities like Jackson and Cody.
How do utility costs in Sheridan compare to other Wyoming cities?
Utility costs in Sheridan are relatively affordable compared to other Wyoming cities, with an average cost of $150 per month for a 915-square-foot apartment.
What is the average cost of groceries for a family of four in Sheridan?
The average cost of groceries for a family of four in Sheridan is around $800 per month, which is slightly lower than the national average of $850.
10. Green River
What is the cost of living index for Green River?
Green River’s cost of living index is 93, indicating that living expenses are 7% lower than the national average. This makes it one of the more affordable cities in Wyoming.
How do housing costs in Green River compare to the state average?
Housing costs in Green River are lower than the state average, with a median home value of $217,500.
What is the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Green River?
The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Green River is around $700 per month, which is significantly lower than the national average of $1,100.
Final Words
Who would have thought that the rugged, wild landscapes of Wyoming could come with such a wide range of living costs?
From the sky-high prices in Jackson to the more budget-friendly options in Green River, Cowboy State offers a diverse array of cities for those looking to call it home.
By carefully considering factors like median home prices, cost of living indices, and key economic drivers, you can make an informed decision about which Wyoming city best fits your lifestyle and financial goals.
Whether you’re drawn to the tourism-driven economies of Jackson and Cody or the energy industry hubs of Rock Springs and Gillette, Wyoming has a place for you – just be sure to check the price tag first!