North Dakota vs Wyoming Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$82,327
in North Dakota
$79,281
in Wyoming
North Dakota
Wyoming
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | North Dakota | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 75.7 | 87.1 | -13% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 99.8 | -3% |
| Utilities | 83.2 | 97.2 | -14% |
| Transportation | 99.9 | 91.9 | +9% |
| Healthcare | 108.8 | 99.0 | +10% |
| Dining & Misc | 99.2 | 98.3 | +1% |
| Overall | 91.1 | 94.6 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Dakota.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Dakota | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $255,000 | $305,000 | $50,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,060/mo | $1,219/mo | $159 |
| Gas price | $3.08/gal | $3.20/gal | $0.12 |
| Electric bill | $70/mo | $81/mo | $11 |
| Infant childcare | $12,373/yr | $9,327/yr | +$3,046 |
Salary equivalent: North Dakota → Wyoming
What a North Dakota salary buys you in Wyoming, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Dakota | Equivalent in Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,921 | $-1,921 |
| $75,000 | $77,881 | $-2,881 |
| $100,000 | $103,842 | $-3,842 |
| $150,000 | $155,763 | $-5,763 |
| $200,000 | $207,684 | $-7,684 |
Positive = your money goes further in Wyoming. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Wyoming is 4% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Wyoming has an index of 94.6 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Wyoming?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Wyoming is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $305,000 in Wyoming.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Wyoming?
Yes, North Dakota is 4% cheaper than Wyoming overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Wyoming more expensive than North Dakota?
Yes, Wyoming is 4% more expensive than North Dakota based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wyoming equals $100,000 in North Dakota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Dakota, you would need approximately $103,842 in Wyoming. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.1 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between North Dakota and Wyoming?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $305,000 in Wyoming — a $50,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,060/mo vs $1,219/mo.
What costs more in North Dakota vs Wyoming?
Utilities is 14% lower in North Dakota (index 83.2 vs 97.2). Housing is 13% lower in North Dakota (index 75.7 vs 87.1). Healthcare is 10% higher in North Dakota (index 108.8 vs 99).
Is gas cheaper in North Dakota or Wyoming?
Gas averages $3.08/gallon in North Dakota and $3.20/gallon in Wyoming — a $0.12 difference per gallon.
North Dakota vs Wyoming cost of living — how do they compare?
North Dakota has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.1 and Wyoming has 94.6 (national average = 100). Wyoming is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Wyoming?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. North Dakota has a progressive income tax with very low rates, topping out at 2.50%. Wyoming has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. It relies on mineral extraction taxes. Use the North Dakota vs Wyoming paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in North Dakota and Wyoming?
North Dakota requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Wyoming has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wyoming Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Dakota vs Wyoming Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- North Dakota Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in North Dakota
- Wyoming Paycheck Estimator — Calculate take-home pay in Wyoming
- Salary After Tax by State — Take-home rankings across all 50 states
- House Affordability in North Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wyoming — How much house can you afford?
- North Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wyoming Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Dakota Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Wyoming Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.