A-
1%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Rock Springs Wyoming National
Cost of living10198100
Goods & Services10198100
Groceries101102100
Health care88100100
Housing106101100
Transportation10094100
Utilities9588100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Rock Springs, WY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs 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 Rock Springs is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, goods and services and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

Is Rock Springs Affordable?

Is Rock Springs an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Rock Springs, the median home price is 11.2% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 7.7% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Rock Springs come in at $74,625, which is 34.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rock Springs?

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Rock Springs, the housing index is 5.5% higher than the national average.

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Rock Springs, the utilities index registers 5.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Rock Springs, the transportation index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Rock Springs displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rock Springs is 3% higher than the Wyoming average
  • The cost of living in Rock Springs is 1% higher than the national average
  • Rock Springs housing is 6% 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 Rock Springs

See all the best places to live around Rock Springs

Compare Rock Springs, 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$84,483$7,040$1,971$2,535
      Renters$48,384$4,032$1,129$1,452
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Rock Springs, WY, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Rock Springs, the median monthly income is $84,483 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,971 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $48,384, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,129 on monthly rental expenses.

      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 Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      Haircut $21.35$24.2612.0%
      Beauty Salon $52.17$45.5614.5%
      Toothpaste $3.64$3.701.7%
      Shampoo $1.17$1.288.6%
      Movie $11.20$12.137.7%
      Bowling $16.97$18.005.7%

      Groceries

      Item Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.18$5.845.9%
      Fried Chicken $1.42$1.5710.0%
      Milk $4.68$4.670.2%
      Potatoes $4.61$4.936.7%
      Pizza $11.99$12.090.8%
      Beer $11.03$10.415.9%

      Health Care

      Item Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $113.53$125.689.7%
      Doctor $125.51$135.787.6%
      Dentist $77.37$113.2931.7%
      Ibuprofen $10.71$10.650.5%
      Lipitor $532.80$468.6013.7%

      Housing

      Item Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      Home Price $205,300.00$184,700.0011.2%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,471.79$2,346.695.3%
      Apartment Rent $876.00$949.007.7%

      Transportation

      Item Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.51$3.461.4%
      Tire Balancing $58.77$59.921.9%

      Utilities

      Item Rock Springs National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $176.12$193.999.2%
      Phone $192.69$192.250.2%
      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.
      Reliance, WY253990.8%
      Purple Sage, WY764990.8%
      Superior, WY1538020.4%
      Clearview Acres, WY9948416.0%
      Green River, WY12,0251032.7%
      Rock Springs, WY23,2381011.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Roseburg, OR23,2371054.7%
      Cottage Lake, WA23,23919998.9%
      Avon, OH23,23311514.6%
      Greenbelt, MD23,25311919.5%
      East Hants, NS23,212n/a 
      Rock Springs, WY23,2381011.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.