Texas vs Wyoming Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$82,327
in Texas
$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 | Texas | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 79.4 | 87.1 | -9% |
| Groceries | 95.3 | 99.8 | -5% |
| Utilities | 102.9 | 97.2 | +6% |
| Transportation | 92.9 | 91.9 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 96.8 | 99.0 | -2% |
| Dining & Misc | 95.2 | 98.3 | -3% |
| Overall | 91.1 | 94.6 | -4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Texas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Texas | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $295,000 | $305,000 | $10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,112/mo | $1,219/mo | $107 |
| Gas price | $3.21/gal | $3.20/gal | +$0.01 |
| Electric bill | $87/mo | $81/mo | +$6 |
| Infant childcare | $10,706/yr | $9,327/yr | +$1,379 |
Salary equivalent: Texas → Wyoming
What a Texas salary buys you in Wyoming, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Texas | 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 Texas overall. Wyoming has an index of 94.6 vs 91.1 for Texas (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Texas or Wyoming?
Texas is cheaper to live in. Wyoming is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $295,000 in Texas vs $305,000 in Wyoming.
Is Texas cheaper than Wyoming?
Yes, Texas 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 Texas?
Yes, Wyoming is 4% more expensive than Texas based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Wyoming equals $100,000 in Texas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Texas, 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 Texas and Wyoming?
Housing is cheaper in Texas. Median home prices are $295,000 in Texas vs $305,000 in Wyoming — a $10,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,112/mo vs $1,219/mo.
What costs more in Texas vs Wyoming?
Housing is 9% lower in Texas (index 79.4 vs 87.1). Utilities is 6% higher in Texas (index 102.9 vs 97.2). Groceries is 5% lower in Texas (index 95.3 vs 99.8).
Is gas cheaper in Texas or Wyoming?
Gas averages $3.21/gallon in Texas and $3.20/gallon in Wyoming — a $0.01 difference per gallon.
Texas vs Wyoming cost of living — how do they compare?
Texas 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 Texas and Wyoming?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Texas has no state income tax. The state relies heavily on property taxes and sales tax for revenue. Wyoming has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. It relies on mineral extraction taxes. Use the Texas 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 Texas and Wyoming?
Texas has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wyoming Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Texas vs Wyoming Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wyoming — How much house can you afford?
- Texas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wyoming Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Texas Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wyoming Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Texas 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.