A+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
0%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Casper Wyoming National
Cost of living102100100
Groceries100101100
Health care9798100
Housing109102100
Transportation100100100
Utilities105103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9798100
Household Items9799100
Education & Childcare9897100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Casper, WY

The cost of living in Casper affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Casper is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Casper closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Casper 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 Casper?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Casper. The results indicated that 50% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 50% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Casper Affordable?

Wondering if Casper 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 Casper, for example, the median home price is 17.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.7% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Casper boasting a median household income of $86,938, which is 6.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Casper?

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Casper, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 0%.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Casper, the groceries index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Casper cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Casper is 2% higher than the Wyoming average
  • The cost of living in Casper is 2% higher than the national average
  • Casper housing is 9% 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 Casper

See all the best places to live around Casper

Compare Casper, WY Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$113,632$9,469$2,651$3,409
      Renters$57,598$4,800$1,344$1,728
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Casper, WY, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Casper have a median income of $113,632. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,651 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $57,598, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,344.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Homa Hills, WY2038911.1%
      Mills, WY4,096928.4%
      Evansville, WY3,0611000.4%
      Hartrandt, WY1,0371000.4%
      Bar Nunn, WY2,8421066.1%
      Casper, WY60,1541022.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bowie, MD60,15313434.1%
      Greenwood, IN60,157972.7%
      Des Plaines, IL60,15911212.4%
      Orland Park, IL60,16111414.2%
      Great Falls, MT60,2091000.3%
      Casper, WY60,1541022.1%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.