Wyoming Comfortable Living Salary Guide 2025

Wondering how much you need to earn to enjoy a relaxed life in the Equality State? Wyoming cost of living refers to the amount of money a typical household spends on housing, food, transportation, health care, taxes and miscellaneous items in Wyoming. In this guide we’ll break down the numbers, compare them to state and national averages, and give you a clear picture of the salary that lets you cover the basics, save a little, and still have fun.

Why salary matters more than you think

Most people start budgeting by looking at rent or mortgage, but a comfortable lifestyle hinges on the whole expense basket. If you underestimate health insurance or utility bills, your paycheck will feel tighter than expected. By linking each expense category to an income target, you can avoid that surprise‑month‑shortfall and plan savings goals with confidence.

Step 1: Map out the major expense buckets

• Housing (rent or mortgage, property tax, insurance)
• Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet)
• Food (groceries + occasional dining out)
• Transportation (car payment, fuel, insurance, maintenance)
• Health care (premium, co‑pay, prescriptions)
• Taxes (state income tax, federal tax, Social Security, Medicare)
• Personal & leisure (clothing, gym, hobbies, emergencies)

These categories capture over 90 % of most households’ spend. Below we’ll attach realistic 2025 numbers for each.

Step 2: Real‑world numbers for Wyoming in 2025

Data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the Wyoming Department of Revenue, and local housing reports. All figures are annual averages for a single‑adult household; we’ll adjust later for families.

At a $55,000 salary you’d have roughly $10,500 left for savings, emergencies or extra fun. That’s the baseline for a “comfortable” - meaning you can meet all obligations, keep a modest emergency fund, and still enjoy a few weekend getaways.

Step 3: Compare to state averages

Wyoming’s Median Household Income was $68,000 in 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That figure already exceeds the $55k threshold we just calculated, which tells you that a typical Wyoming family should be able to live comfortably without major financial strain-provided they’re not in the most expensive counties like Laramie or Jackson.

For reference, the national median household income sits at about $71,000, while the national average cost of living is roughly 12 % higher than Wyoming’s. In other words, you can stretch your dollars further here.

Step 4: Adjust for family size

If you have a partner or kids, two expenses jump sharply: housing and food. A two‑adult household usually pays around 30 % more for rent, while adding a child bumps food costs up by 20 % and health care by 40 % (pediatric premiums are higher). A quick rule of thumb is to add $5,000-$7,000 per additional adult and $4,000 per child to the annual budget.

Example: a family of four (two adults, two kids) would need roughly $55,000 + $7,000 + $8,000 = $70,000 to keep the same comfort level.

Step 5: Taxes and the Wyoming advantage

Wyoming is one of the few states with State Income Tax of zero percent. That alone can save a household $2,000-$3,000 compared to a neighboring state like Colorado. However, you still owe federal income tax, Social Security (6.2 %) and Medicare (1.45 %). The tax column in the table above already accounts for an average federal liability based on a $55k filing status.

Step 6: Minimum wage and its impact

The Wyoming Minimum Wage remains $7.25 per hour, identical to the federal floor. For a full‑time worker, that translates to about $15,080 before taxes-well below the comfortable‑salary threshold. This highlights why many Wyoming residents either own small businesses, work in the energy sector, or commute to higher‑paying jobs in nearby states.

Step 7: Ways to lower your required salary

• Choose affordable towns. Cheyenne and Casper hover around the state average, but places like Lusk, Torrington or Evanston often have rents $200-$400 lower.
• House‑share or buy a modest home. A two‑bedroom apartment can be split with a roommate, cutting housing cost by half.
• Trim transportation. Rural Wyoming means longer drives, but many folks use fuel‑efficient vehicles or car‑pool to reduce fuel costs.
• Leverage tax‑free shopping. Wyoming has no sales tax on groceries, so budgeting grocery trips can be cheaper than in neighboring states.
• Take advantage of free outdoor recreation. Hiking, fishing and camping are virtually free, letting you enjoy entertainment without extra spend.

Step 8: Quick salary calculator (at‑a‑glance)

1. Start with your desired lifestyle: basic needs + 20 % buffer for savings.
2. Plug in the expense totals from the table ($44,500 for a single adult).
3. Add 20 % = $44,500 × 1.20 = $53,400.
4. Round up to the nearest $1,000 for tax wiggle room → $55,000.

This simple math gives you a realistic salary target. If your current earnings are lower, look at the cost‑cutting tips above or consider side‑hustles that align with Wyoming’s strong energy, tourism, and remote‑work markets.

Conclusion: Is Wyoming affordable for you?

Because there’s no state income tax, lower housing costs and a modest overall cost of living, many people find they can live comfortably on a salary that would feel tight in coastal metros. Aim for around $55,000 per year for a single adult, $70,000 for a family of four, and you’ll be in the safe zone to cover essentials, save, and still enjoy the great outdoors that make Wyoming special.