Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$66,489
in Oregon
$79,281
in 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 | Oregon | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.4 | 87.1 | +46% |
| Groceries | 106.8 | 99.8 | +7% |
| Utilities | 95.6 | 97.2 | -2% |
| Transportation | 119.1 | 91.9 | +30% |
| Healthcare | 117.9 | 99.0 | +19% |
| Dining & Misc | 104.4 | 98.3 | +6% |
| Overall | 112.8 | 94.6 | +19% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Oregon.
What things actually cost
| Item | Oregon | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $490,000 | $305,000 | +$185,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,784/mo | $1,219/mo | +$565 |
| Gas price | $4.26/gal | $3.20/gal | +$1.06 |
| Electric bill | $98/mo | $81/mo | +$17 |
| Infant childcare | $19,064/yr | $9,327/yr | +$9,737 |
Salary equivalent: Oregon → Wyoming
What a Oregon salary buys you in Wyoming, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Oregon | Equivalent in Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,933 | +$8,067 |
| $75,000 | $62,899 | +$12,101 |
| $100,000 | $83,865 | +$16,135 |
| $150,000 | $125,798 | +$24,202 |
| $200,000 | $167,730 | +$32,270 |
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
Oregon is 19% more expensive than Wyoming overall. Oregon has an index of 112.8 vs 94.6 for Wyoming (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Oregon or Wyoming?
Wyoming is cheaper to live in. Oregon is 19% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $490,000 in Oregon vs $305,000 in Wyoming.
Is Wyoming cheaper than Oregon?
Yes, Wyoming is 19% cheaper than Oregon overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Oregon more expensive than Wyoming?
Yes, Oregon is 19% more expensive than Wyoming based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wyoming equals $100,000 in Oregon?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Oregon, you would need approximately $83,865 in Wyoming. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (112.8 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Oregon and Wyoming?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wyoming. Median home prices are $490,000 in Oregon vs $305,000 in Wyoming — a $185,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,784/mo vs $1,219/mo.
What costs more in Oregon vs Wyoming?
Housing is 46% higher in Oregon (index 127.4 vs 87.1). Transportation is 30% higher in Oregon (index 119.1 vs 91.9). Healthcare is 19% higher in Oregon (index 117.9 vs 99).
Is gas cheaper in Oregon or Wyoming?
Gas averages $4.26/gallon in Oregon and $3.20/gallon in Wyoming — a $1.06 difference per gallon.
Oregon vs Wyoming cost of living — how do they compare?
Oregon has an overall cost-of-living index of 112.8 and Wyoming has 94.6 (national average = 100). Oregon is 19% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Wyoming?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Oregon has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. It relies on mineral extraction taxes. Use the Oregon 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 Oregon and Wyoming?
Oregon 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
- Oregon Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wyoming Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Oregon vs Wyoming Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Oregon — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wyoming — How much house can you afford?
- Oregon Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wyoming Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Oregon Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wyoming Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Oregon 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
- 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.
