A
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
11%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Laramie Wyoming National
Cost of living10198100
Goods & Services9798100
Groceries103102100
Health care101100100
Housing111101100
Transportation9594100
Utilities8888100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Laramie, WY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Laramie is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Laramie is 101, which is 1% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Laramie closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Laramie can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Laramie?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 9 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Laramie. The feedback revealed that 22% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 78% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Laramie Affordable?

Wondering if Laramie is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Laramie, for example, the median home price is 22% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 13.2% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Laramie boasting a median household income of $47,463, which is 14.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Laramie?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Laramie, the housing index stands at 11.5% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Laramie, the transportation index stands at 4.6% lower than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Laramie, healthcare costs are 0.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Laramie, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Laramie is 3% higher than the Wyoming average
  • The cost of living in Laramie is 1% higher than the national average
  • Laramie housing is 11% higher than the national average
  • Wyoming general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • Wyoming state income tax is 100% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Laramie

See all the best places to live around Laramie

Compare Laramie, WY Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$82,637$6,886$1,928$2,479
      Renters$28,251$2,354$659$848
      The affordability of the housing market in Laramie, WY as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Laramie homeowners, the median income is $82,637. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $1,928 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $28,251. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $659 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Wyoming Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Wyoming 4% 6%

      Wyoming Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Wyoming 0% 0%

      Goods & Services

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.78$24.2618.6%
      Beauty Salon $39.16$45.5614.1%
      Toothpaste $3.92$3.705.8%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.6%
      Movie $11.19$12.137.7%
      Bowling $13.22$18.0026.5%

      Groceries

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.39$5.847.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.32$1.5716.1%
      Milk $4.74$4.671.5%
      Potatoes $4.20$4.9314.9%
      Pizza $12.79$12.095.8%
      Beer $9.97$10.414.2%

      Health Care

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $165.17$125.6831.4%
      Doctor $123.46$135.789.1%
      Dentist $113.42$113.290.1%
      Ibuprofen $11.13$10.654.5%
      Lipitor $494.61$468.605.6%

      Housing

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      Home Price $225,400.00$184,700.0022.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,017.79$2,346.6914.0%
      Apartment Rent $824.00$949.0013.2%

      Transportation

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.36$3.462.9%
      Tire Balancing $54.73$59.928.7%

      Utilities

      Item Laramie National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $158.34$193.9918.4%
      Phone $187.74$192.252.3%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Laramie, WY32,5151011.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gillette, WY32,513990.6%
      Graham, WA32,50513433.6%
      South Riding, VA32,52615959.3%
      Okotoks, AB32,526n/a 
      Lawndale, CA32,53315858.5%
      Laramie, WY32,5151011.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.