A+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
11%
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 Laramie Wyoming National
Cost of living103100100
Groceries101101100
Health care10098100
Housing111102100
Transportation97100100
Utilities101103100
Lifestyle & Entertainment9698100
Household Items10199100
Education & Childcare10297100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Laramie, WY

The cost of living in Laramie 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 Laramie is 103, which is 3% 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 Laramie 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 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?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 9 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Laramie. The results indicated that 22% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 78% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Laramie Affordable?

Is Laramie affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Laramie, the median home price is 22% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 15.2% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Laramie boasting a median household income of $69,349, 14.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Laramie?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Laramie, the utilities index stands at 1.3% higher than the national average.

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 Laramie, the groceries index is 0.6% higher than the national average.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Laramie, is 10.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Laramie cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

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 3% 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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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$124,938$10,412$2,915$3,749
      Renters$42,924$3,577$1,001$1,288
      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 $124,938. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,915 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $42,924. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,001 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Laramie, WY33,4421033.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      St. Charles, IL33,45211817.6%
      La Verne, CA33,46016665.8%
      Pekin, IL33,4688811.8%
      Saint-Georges, QC33,468n/a 
      College Park, MD33,47512929.1%
      Laramie, WY33,4421033.0%
      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.