Want Wyoming’s mountain views and outdoor lifestyle without Jackson Hole or Cody’s sky-high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Cowboy State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Torrington or a starter home in Kemmerer, Wyoming’s historic coal and energy town. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in Powell to enjoy a low-cost lifestyle near Yellowstone and the Bighorn Basin, with median home prices well under $255,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Wyoming to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Thermopolis is the most affordable city: Thermopolis’s cost of living is on par with the state average, with a median home price of just $192,000, making it the cheapest place to live in Wyoming.
- Rawlins is the best city for young professionals: With reliable job opportunities in energy, transportation, and public services, Rawlins is a prime spot for young adults to kick-start their careers.
- For families, Worland is a great choice: With a crime rate 64% lower than the national average, safe neighborhoods, and low housing costs, Worland is an ideal place to raise a family on a budget.
- Retirees should consider Thermopolis: Retirees can enjoy a relaxed small-town lifestyle with access to Hot Springs State Park, home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs.
- Don’t forget about Wyoming’s tax advantages: There’s no state income tax. Furthermore, the property taxes average just around 0.55%.
Cheapest Places to Live in Wyoming in 2026
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Thermopolis | $192,000 | $385 | 0% less⬇️ | 7 |
| 2. Rawlins | $185,000 | $828 | 8% less⬇️ | 6.7 |
| 3. Kemmerer | $145,000 | $1,000 | 4% less⬇️ | 6.5 |
| 4. Riverton | $186,000 | $1,195 | 8% less⬇️ | 5.6 |
| 5. Rock Springs | $247,450 | $866 | 9% less⬇️ | 5.6 |
| 6. Worland | $236,000 | $932 | 6% less⬇️ | 5.5 |
| 7. Torrington | $285,000 | $800 | 2% less⬇️ | 5 |
| 8. Newcastle | $309,000 | $850 | 3% less⬇️ | 4.5 |
| 9. Evanston | $324,150 | $810 | 5% less⬇️ | 4.4 |
| 10. Powell | $255,000 | $1,250 | 3% less⬇️ | 4.2 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Wyoming
To identify the cheap places to live in Wyoming, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Wyoming Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the .
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Wyoming Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Wyoming cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Wyoming
Thermopolis is the cheapest place to live in Wyoming. The town is home to Hot Springs State Park which has the world’s largest mineral hot springs. For domestic flight travel, residents drive to Worland Municipal Airport (WRL). It is the nearest commercial airport, 35-45 miles away.
- Hot Springs State Park Area: This neighborhood borders Hot Springs State Park north and east along Park Street and Canyon Hills Road. Residents have direct access to the park’s State Bath House (free public hot mineral soaking), Bighorn River walking paths, and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.
- Downtown Thermopolis: The neighborhood surrounds Broadway Street (the town’s main commercial corridor). Residents value proximity to Ralph Witters Elementary School and Hot Springs County Courthouse. Meanwhile, nearby Riverside Park along the Bighorn River provides green space and recreation.
- Job Market: Most employment opportunities come from the hospitality, tourism, and public administration sectors. Major employers in Thermopolis include Hot Springs County Memorial Hospital, Hot Springs County School District, and the Town of Thermopolis.
- Recreation: You can visit Hot Springs State Park with your family to see the state-maintained herd of American bison or enjoy a free bathhouse. You can also explore the Legend Rock Petroglyph Site for ancient Native American carvings, or take a guided tour at the Wind River Wild Horse Sanctuary.
- Long University Commutes: The nearest four-year institution, the University of Wyoming in Laramie, is about 3.5–4 hours away. Central Wyoming College offers outreach classes locally, but there is no full four-year campus in town.
- Limited Job Diversity: With a small population, major employment is concentrated in healthcare, education, tourism, and local government. High-paying roles in IT, finance, or corporate retail are limited.
- Minimal Shopping Variety: There is no Walmart in Thermopolis. The nearest major big-box retailers are in Riverton (about 70 miles) and Casper (about 115 miles). Furthermore, there are no Target or Costco stores within 100 miles.
Besides affordable housing in Wyoming, Rawlins offers a small-town lifestyle with easy access to local parks and outdoor recreation. The city is home to the historic Wyoming Frontier Prison and the active Wyoming State Penitentiary. Short drives around town and connections via I-80 make errands simple.
- Sheep Hill: This is Rawlins’ one of the older residential areas with homes dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Residents are just minutes from downtown Rawlins, making daily errands simple. Nearby landmarks include St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and public schools such as Rochelle School.
- Highland Hills: If you want more separation from the downtown core while staying inside city limits, this area offers that balance. You’re within driving distance of schools operated by Carbon County School District 1 and community facilities like the Rawlins Family Recreation Center, which features a pool and a gym.
- Job Market: Rawlins’ economy centers on energy, transportation, corrections, and healthcare. Major employers include Union Pacific Railroad, Memorial Hospital of Carbon County, and Wyoming State Penitentiary.
- Recreation: Explore the Carbon County Museum and Wyoming Frontier Prison to learn about the history & culture of the county. Rochelle Ranch Golf Course and city parks offer more outdoor fun. Meanwhile, Vedauwoo Recreation Area is about 30 miles north, popular for climbing, hiking, and scenic rock formations.
- Job Diversity Drought: The economy lacks roles in tech, finance, or manufacturing. Since most employment opportunities are locked in the energy, rail, prison, and healthcare sectors.
- Retail Shopping Void: Limited chain stores and restaurants mean residents often drive to nearby cities like Rock Springs for broader shopping and grocery options.
- Brutal Winters: Extreme cold (-20°F lows), high winds, and snow (60+ inches/year) restrict movement in and around the city. This also increases heating costs 20-30% above the U.S. average.
- Healthcare Access Gaps: Memorial Hospital covers basics but lacks specialists. The nearest advanced care is in Casper (2 hours).
Kemmerer is the birthplace of the JCPenney department store. The historic coal-mining town’s economy has recently seen a boom due to the ongoing $4 billion Natrium nuclear power plant. The small city is also famous for Fossil Butte National Monument which is 15 miles in the west and is known for the ancient lake bed.
- Downtown “Triangle” Area: This is the central residential urban hub around Triangle Park, which features picnic spots and a bronze statue of James Cash Penney. Residents enjoy walkable access to the original J.C. Penney “Mother Store”, community events like FossilFest and Oyster Ridge Music Festival.
- JC Penney Historic District: There are residential houses around the historic district, which have preserved commercial structures with early‑20th‑century character. Residents get proximity to the first Golden Rule Store, the Hams Fork Museum, and the J.C. Penney’s historic home.
- North Kemmerer: A low-density neighborhood is close to Canyon Elementary School and Triangle Park, which hosts outdoor spots like Fossil Butte National Monument. Residents can drive to the nearby Hams Fork River area near Fossil Island Golf Course for outdoor activities as well.
- Job Market: Kemmerer’s economy focuses on coal mining and energy. Major employers include Naughton Mine and Power Plant. Besides that, TerraPower’s Natrium nuclear project near Kemmerer is under construction and is expected to bring both construction and permanent jobs.
- Recreation: Go fossil hunting in Fossil Butte National Monument or have fun at Fossil Island Golf Club with its famous double‑island greens. There are community parks and trails along the Hams Fork River for family time. You can also tour the historic “Mother Store” of J.C. Penney or visit the Fossil Country Frontier Museum.
- Minimal Amenities: Residents drive 2+ hours to Rock Springs due to absence of major grocery chains, hospitals, or dining/shopping options.
- Limited Job Diversity: The economy relies heavily on coal mining and constructions, leaving extremely few options in other sectors such as healthcare, retail, or tech.
- Declining Population: Kemmerer has been facing a population decline for years now. This puts the city in a vulnerable position. Since communities can’t take full advantage of the ongoing major energy construction projects like the $4 billion Natrium nuclear power plant.
Riverton’s famous for its Native American cultural heritage and is called gateway to the Castle Gardens Petroglyphs. The city is connected to Casper and Lander through Highway 26 and 789. Furthermore, there is a known Wind River Casino for gambling. If you are into fishing and kayaking, visit Wind River.
- Riverton West: The neighborhood is near Central Wyoming College and is close to the city’s downtown area. Residents enjoy easy access to Riverton City Park, grocery stores like Albertsons, and Riverton Regional Hospital, making daily errands convenient.
- Riverton North: The residential area gives easy access to Riverton City Park green space and trail access along city streets. Residents enroll children in nearby schools like Riverton High School in Fremont County School District #25.
- City Center: This downtown area of Riverton has banks, gas stations, restaurants, and community businesses. Residents live a short drive away from Central Wyoming College. Meanwhile, banks, gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores are all within walking distance.
- Job Market: Riverton’s economy centers on healthcare, education, and energy sectors. Major employers include Wind River Medical Center, Fremont County School District #25, Central Wyoming College, and Riverton Energy Center.
- Recreation: If you are into history and outdoor exploration, visit Wind River Heritage Center and Castle Gardens Petroglyph Site. You can also head to the Sinks Canyon State Park for hiking. Then there is Wind River Casino for gambling.
- High Crime Rates: Riverton is one of the most unsafe cities in the US. Its total crime rate is 127% higher than the national average.
- Severe Winters: Harsh Wyoming winters bring heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. This disrupts travel and daily life.
- Few Amenities: Residents spend hours on travel to visit Casper. Since there are minimal shopping, dining, and entertainment options beyond the basics.
Besides affordable housing, Rock Springs gives you close access to the Bunning Park locally and the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. The energy sector provides a stable employment base. The city is also connected to Interstate 80 and has a regional airport, which helps connect residents to larger hubs.
- White Mountain Area: This is a suburban area at the base of White Mountain with apartment complexes and mobile homes. Residents are close to Westridge Elementary School and can hike to White Mountain Petroglyphs, featuring 200+ ancient carvings.
- Number 6 District: The residential houses around this historic district mostly belong to working-class families. Children go to Lincoln Elementary School while families spend time together at Bunning Park.
- North Ridge: The neighborhood has single-family homes and mountain views. Residents enjoy proximity to Rock Springs High School and Sage Elementary School. Furthermore, for rodeo events, the Sweetwater Events Complex is used, which is within a short driving distance.
- Job Market: Rock Springs relies on trona mining, fossil fuels, and the health care sectors. Major employers include Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, WE Soda, and Tata Chemicals/Ciner Resources in nearby Green River.
- Recreation: Travel to the Pilot Butte Wild Horse Scenic Loop, a roughly 20-mile scenic route for scenic drives and wildlife viewing. Those interested in ancient petroglyphs can visit White Mountain. Plus, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area (~45 miles away) is a major local draw for boating and fishing.
- Job Market Limitations: There is limited job diversification in IT, finance, retail, and manufacturing.
- Extreme Winter Weather: The city experiences an average of 50+inches of annual snowfall with -20°F lows. You commute to work, and schools can get disrupted by blizzards, which close I-80 for days.
- Remote Location Isolation: Nearest major city (Salt Lake) is 3 hours away. There is only one regional airport with 2 daily flights, limiting travel and amenities.
Worland is ideal for those seeking affordable housing and outdoor adventure. The city sits along the Bighorn River, attracting fishing, trekking, and boating enthusiasts. Nearby, the Owl Creek Mountains provide hiking, wildlife, and scenic vistas. The economy provides jobs in oil & gas processing and healthcare.
- North Worland: Residents in the neighborhood are in proximity to Worland Middle School. Nearby Washakie Museum & Cultural Center features rotating exhibits and educational programs. The Worland Community Center Complex includes a regulation basketball court and an open pickleball gym.
- South Worland: The neighborhood is close to Worland High School and Kiwanis Park, which includes playground equipment, picnic shelters, and open green space. Grocery stores, banks, and retail lines on Big Horn Avenue are also within a short driving distance.
- West Worland: Here you will find residential streets with a mix of mid-century and newer builds on wider lots. There is the nearby West Side Elementary School and Green Hills Golf Course. The area also gives close access to the U.S. Highway 20.
- Job Market: Key industries include oil and gas processing, healthcare, education, and beverage distribution. Contango ORE, Washakie Medical Center, Washakie County School District No.1, and Admiral Beverage Corporation
- Recreation: Play at Green Hills Golf Course’s 18-hole public course and seasonal leagues. Visit the Bighorn River for fishing and boating, or head to Gooseberry Badlands Scenic Overlook & Trail for outdoor adventure. Spend family time at the Washakie Museum & Cultural Center and Worland Aquatic Center.
- Limited Job Diversity: The economy relies heavily on oil/gas and healthcare and lacks jobs in tech, finance, or manufacturing sectors.
- Minimal Shopping and Amenities: For larger malls, specialty stores, or diverse dining, residents drive 1+ hour to Casper.
- Severe Winter Weather: Worland has roughly 50 inches of annual snowfall. Snow can cause temporary road closures on U.S. Highway 20 and occasional isolation during heavy blizzards.
In Torrington, residents use the North Platte River trails for walking, fishing, and birdwatching. Weekends can include visits to Wyo Wine Vineyard & Winery. Meanwhile, you would also find Torrington’s lifestyle comforting, with a short average commute time of 13 minutes.
- Downtown: The neighborhood around the city center/downtown of Torrington is close to grocery shops, diners, and local businesses. You can walk to Eastern Wyoming College and the city’s municipal parks, like City Park, which features picnic shelters.
- Residential South: The area features mostly single-family‑oriented homes south of central Torrington near 21st Avenue. This zone is close to the Hospital Park’s playground and has Trail Elementary School and Torrington Middle School under the Goshen County School District.
- Job Market: Torrington’s economy includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and public services. Main job providers are Banner Health, 21st Century Equipment LLC, and the State of Wyoming. Western Sugar Cooperative also offers seasonal and year‑round factory jobs.
- Recreation: Cottonwood Golf Course is open this year, and so is the North Platte River for fishing and floating. Sample wines at Table Mt. Vineyards & Winery or head to parks like Jirdon Park to play basketball. Don’t forget the Go Goshen/Pinnacle Bank Summer Concert Series, hosted near 21st Avenue.
- Elevated Violent Crime: Torrington suffers from burglary and theft crimes. The violent crime rate in the city is 38% higher than the national average.
- Limited Job Diversity: The economy lacks high-paying jobs in manufacturing, tech, finance, or IT.
- Concerning Poverty Level: Around one-fifth of the population (which is already declining) of Torrington lives in poverty, which raises questions about economic policies and governance.
Newcastle is a historical railroad town that also has the nation’s only producing oil well dug by hand. The local economy is tied to coal mining and oil refining. Newcastle also gives access to Black Hills National Forest for hiking, fishing, and snowmobiling. For golfers, Newcastle Country Club is open year-round.
- North Newcastle: This quiet area on the town’s northern outskirts has large residential lots. As a resident, you get proximity to Newcastle Elementary School and easy access to the Black Hills National Forest for hiking and outdoor recreation in open grasslands.
- West Main Street Corridor: The semi‑urban residential neighborhood is connected to U.S. 16 and U.S. 85 highways. Residents live close to Dow Park and Centennial Park. The local shops, such as Sagebrush Market and Something Healthy Market, are also nearby.
- Downtown/Main Street Area: It is a compact walkable area with historic urban residential buildings. Here, you can enjoy proximity to Newcastle High School and Weston County Fairgrounds, which hosts the Weston County Fair each year. Railroad Park is also close by and features picnic areas.
- Job Market: Key industries in Newcastle include oil refining, mining, and local government agencies. Main employers include Wyoming Refining Company and the BNSF Railway.
- Recreation: If you are into hiking and wildlife viewing, you can visit Serenity Trail. The Weston County Fairgrounds is there for the annual Weston County Fair and parade. Meanwhile, those interested in local history and cowboy culture can go to the Anna Miller Museum and Newcastle Commercial District.
- Harsh winters: Winters are long and cold with snow and icy roads for several months, which can impact mobility and daily life.
- Rural isolation: Newcastle is located over 75 miles from big cities like Gillette or Rapid City. Residents have to drive for around 1.5 hours to reach specialist medical services, larger retail stores, and commercial airports (RAP or GCC).
- Limited Social Scene: Newcastle’s small population of roughly 3,300 means nightlife and entertainment options are minimal, which may be a deal breaker for those seeking a more active social life.
Outdoor adventures happen at the nearby Bear River State Park while proximity to I-80 provides easy access to Salt Lake City. Furthermore, Evanston is known for its historic Roundhouse and Railyards and Wyoming Downs Racetrack.
- Centennial Valley Estates: This is a residential subdivision in Evanston with medium‑density city lots. It offers views toward the local hills and natural open spaces near Evanston. The neighborhood also gives access to the Bear River Greenway and State Park trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.
- Willow Mobile Home Park: The neighborhood is a mobile home community at 100 Sunset Ave in Evanston with paved streets and off‑street parking. It’s served by local bus routes that connect to schools such as Evanston High School and Davis Middle School.
- Fair Meadows: Residents enjoy proximity to Hamblin Park, which features a splash pad, picnic areas, and a 9‑hole disc golf course. The neighborhood is also close to Bear River Greenway, Bear River State Park, and the Uinta County Fair.
- Job Market: Evanston’s economy depends on manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors. Key employers include Mitsubishi Carbon Fiber, Uinta County School District, and Wyoming State Hospital. Planned Prometheus hyperscale data center project near Evanston is expected to bring hundreds of jobs.
- Recreation: Sulphur Creek Reservoir, Bear River State Park, and Greenway offer boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing (bison and elk), plus Purple Sage Golf Course. The Mirror Lake Scenic Byway provides more outdoor fun. For history, visit the Chinese Joss House Museum and Union Pacific Railroad Complex.
- Drug Usage Issue: Evanston is located on I-80, which makes it a known corridor for illegal drug trafficking. Furthermore, Wyoming ranks 11th in drug usage issues among all the states in the US.
- Harsh Winters: Evanston has long, cold winters with annual snowfall around 40-50 inches. This can disrupt inter-city travel and daily life.
- Car Dependency: Evanston has a limited public transportation system, so most residents rely on a car for daily life.
In Powell, families access quiet neighborhoods near Homesteader Park trails and Shoshone River recreation without urban premiums. Powell is located near the Bighorn Mountains and has a low population density, which means less traffic, shorter commutes, and generally lower day-to-day expenses.
- North Powell: This quiet residential area with family-friendly streets is close to Homesteader Park, which has a 1.5-mile paved walking trail, a fishing pond, and views of the Bighorn Mountains. Residents send their children to nearby Powell High School and attend the Park County Fair held each year at the fairgrounds.
- Riverside Estates: Neighborhood residents take advantage of fishing and recreation access along the Shoshone River at the Willwood area, just south of Powell. Furthermore, Westside Elementary School is one of the nearby schools.
- Bighorn View: The single-family homes in this scenic suburban area are blessed with mountain views of the Bighorn Range. Residents value its quiet setting near outdoor trails and Northwest College events like the annual soccer competition and Trapper Rodeo Winter Social.
- Job Market: Powell’s economy heavily relies on the agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors. Major local employers include Wyoming Sugar Company, Northwest College, the Park County School District No.1 public schools, and the Powell Research Extension Center.
- Recreation: Residents can enjoy Washington Park and in-town trails. For fishing and scenic walks, the Yellowstone River is nearby. History enthusiasts can visit the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center for World War II exhibits. Additional recreation includes the Homesteader Museum and Polecat Bench.
- Limited Public Transportation: Powell does not operate a fixed-route municipal bus system, and nearly all residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting and daily travel.
- No Specialized Care: Powell has only a local functioning hospital, Powell Valley Healthcare (PVHC). Residents travel about 25 miles to Cody’s Cody Regional Health for specialized care.
- Limited Entertainment Options: Powell has few large venues or movie theaters. Residents often travel 25 miles to Cody for concerts, cinemas, or nightlife.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for something on the northern frontier, Cody could be a great option. From South Fork to Cedar Mountain, you’ll find a wide range of affordable houses in Cody with strong rental potential.
Douglas and Cody are the cheapest and safest cities in Wyoming. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Wyoming for Young Adults
When looking for the least expensive city to live in Wyoming, you want more than just cheap rent. You want good jobs, a fun lifestyle, and a city where you can thrive. These Wyoming cities deliver all three, with affordable housing and growing job markets.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rawlins | Rawlins offers steady jobs in energy, transportation, and public services, making it easier for young adults to start their careers. Affordable homes for sale in Rawlins add to its appeal for those building a first home. |
| 2. | Evanston | Evanston is located right on the Utah border, making it a good location for those looking to commute or network across state lines into Utah’s stronger tech/healthcare job markets. Homes for sale in Evanston are also attractive, since Salt Lake City is just 60 miles away and offers a better nightlife than Evanston. |
| 3. | Rock Springs | Rock Springs offers steady jobs in energy, transportation, healthcare, retail, and public services. Furthermore, you can get career training in nursing, welding, and industrial technology at Western Wyoming Community College. Overall, homes for sale in Rock Springs are worth browsing due to the lower cost of living. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Wyoming for Families
Wyoming is a favorite among families for its wide open spaces, no state income tax, and affordable housing. These three cities offer low living costs and a peaceful, outdoors-friendly lifestyle for families.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Worland | With a crime rate 64% lower than the national average, Worland is a safe place to raise a family. The city offers low housing costs, outdoor recreation along the Big Horn River, and stable agriculture/energy jobs. Furthermore, there is a wide range of affordable homes for sale in Worland for you to look through. |
| 2. | Riverton | Riverton has a Riverton Community Health Center, Boys & Girls Club, and reliable energy-sector employment. Homes for sale in the River also give growing families access to outdoor recreation activities like biking and biking near Wind River’s trails. |
| 3. | Torrington | Homes for sale in Torrington give families more value with lower prices. You get access to Platte River trails, parks like Grande Vista Park, and decent schools like Platte River School. For social networking, there are also community gatherings at Torrington Winter Festival and Community Garden Day. |
3 Most Affordable Places to Retire in Wyoming
Wyoming is a retiree’s haven. In these cities, you can find affordable homes, accessible healthcare, and safe communities. There are also plenty of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching to enjoy a comfortable, active lifestyle.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Thermopolis | Homes for sale in Thermopolis offer a small‑town, low‑cost lifestyle with unique outdoor wellness features. Retirees can enjoy soaking in Hot Springs State Park and Hellie’s TePee Pools or spend time on Big Horn River’s walking trails. |
| 2. | Newcastle | Newcastle offers access to the Weston County Senior Citizen Center, which hosts exercise classes and Friday social gatherings. Local healthcare is available at the Community Hospital of Northeastern Wyoming. Homes for sale in Newcastle allow lower cost of living and safe neighborhoods. |
| 3. | Douglas | Douglas is located along North Platte River and has the Memorial Hospital of Converse County for healthcare. The city also hosts “Jackalope Days”, featuring live music and dog races. That said, homes for sale in Douglas present retirees with affordable entry into the city so they can stretch their retirement income. |
The minimum wage in Wyoming is $7.25 per hour. The basic minimum rate (per hour) is $5.15, combined with a minimum direct cash wage of $2.13 per hour for tipped employees, makes up the federal minimum wage for Wyoming.
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Wyoming
Even in the cheapest Wyoming cities to live in, home prices are only part of the cost. When looking for the cheapest place to live in Wyoming, factor in heating, maintenance, and property taxes alongside your mortgage.
- Heating and Utility Costs: Wyoming winters are long and cold, and your heating bill will reflect that. Most households running natural gas pay around $1,000–$1,500 per year to heat their home. Rural properties relying on propane have to pay more.
- Wildfire & Hail Insurance: Wyoming ranks #2 nationally for fire risk, with high hazard in areas like Teton County. Many homeowners pay around $1,500–$1,900 yearly, with properties near forests and grasslands exceeding $2,300. More urban cities like Casper and Cheyenne generally have lower rates.
- Property Taxes: While Wyoming lacks an income tax, property taxes are relatively moderate but variable. The effective tax rate averages around 0.55%. The range is roughly between 0.5% to 0.7%.
Quick Tip For primary homes with a fair market value of up to $1 million, Wyoming homeowners are eligible for a 25% reduction in the taxable value used to calculate property taxes. To qualify, they must occupy the home as their primary residence for at least eight months each year.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Wyoming to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across Wyoming. Thermopolis residents save $2,064 monthly compared to Cody and $702 compared to Casper. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. Cody |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thermopolis | $192,000 | $909 | $624 | $1,533 | $2,064 |
| Casper | $298,500 | $1,413 | $822 | $2,235 | $1,362 |
| Cody | $559,000 | $2,540 | $1,057 | $3,597 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond Wyoming
Not sure if the cheapest places in Wyoming to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer major tax benefits, low crime rates, and good education, just like Wyoming.
Tax Benefits
New Hampshire matches Wyoming’s key tax benefits, including no state income tax on earned income and no corporate income tax. If you also want to take advantage of such tax benefits, here are top 3 cheapest places to live in New Hampshire:
- Claremont: Median home price is $312,500, and the rent is $1,700. Zero state income tax maximizes disposable income for shopping and entertainment.
- Laconia: Median home price is $399,000, and rent is $2,026. Low property taxes keep overall housing and living costs down.
- Somersworth: Median home price is $497,500, and rent is $1,753. Competitive real estate taxes paired with no broad-based sales tax make urban-rural living more budget-friendly.
Low Crime Rates
Idaho ranks #3 for public safety. If you also want to live in a state with minimal property and violent crimes, here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Idaho:
- Meridian: Median home price is $518,000, and the rent is $1,721. The total crime rate is about 68% lower than the national average.
- Moscow: Median home price is $517,500, and the rent is $1,319. Low property crime rates and safe neighborhoods are some of the main highlights of Moscow.
- Rexburg: Median home price is $434,900, and the rent is $1,325. Violent crimes such as burglary and theft are 81% lower than the US average.
Good Education
Iowa has around 473,000 students enrolled in 303 school districts. If you also want an excellent academic schooling and affordable living, here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Iowa.
- Iowa City: Median home price is $287,500, and the rent is $1,498. Home to the University of Iowa, one of the top public research universities in the Midwest. The city’s public school district consistently outperforms state and national averages as well.
- Ames: Median home price is $398,750, and the rent is $1,378. Ames is home to Iowa State University, a flagship STEM and agriculture research institution. Ames is also a standout for families who want excellent K-12 schools.
- Cedar Rapids: Median home price is $190,000, and the rent is $1,025. Iowa’s second-largest city offers strong public schools and access to highly rated institutions like Kirkwood Community College.
Want to cast a wider net? Beyond Wyoming, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Iowa, explore the cheapest places to live in the US where your dollar stretches even further.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Wyoming?
Thermopolis, Rawlins, and Kemmerer are the most affordable cities to live in Wyoming. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and a cost of living lower than the national norm.
Moving to Wyoming also offers valuable tax advantages, with no state income tax and property taxes averaging at 0.55%. Whether you’re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.
