Utah vs Wyoming Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$75,377
in Utah
$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 | Utah | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 87.1 | +25% |
| Groceries | 96.9 | 99.8 | -3% |
| Utilities | 82.4 | 97.2 | -15% |
| Transportation | 104.1 | 91.9 | +13% |
| Healthcare | 90.9 | 99.0 | -8% |
| Dining & Misc | 96.9 | 98.3 | -1% |
| Overall | 99.5 | 94.6 | +5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Utah.
What things actually cost
| Item | Utah | Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $480,000 | $305,000 | +$175,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,219/mo | +$304 |
| Gas price | $3.40/gal | $3.20/gal | +$0.20 |
| Electric bill | $88/mo | $81/mo | +$7 |
| Infant childcare | $13,094/yr | $9,327/yr | +$3,767 |
Salary equivalent: Utah → Wyoming
What a Utah salary buys you in Wyoming, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Utah | Equivalent in Wyoming | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,538 | +$2,462 |
| $75,000 | $71,307 | +$3,693 |
| $100,000 | $95,075 | +$4,925 |
| $150,000 | $142,613 | +$7,387 |
| $200,000 | $190,151 | +$9,849 |
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
Utah is 5% more expensive than Wyoming overall. Utah has an index of 99.5 vs 94.6 for Wyoming (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Utah or Wyoming?
Wyoming is cheaper to live in. Utah is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $480,000 in Utah vs $305,000 in Wyoming.
Is Wyoming cheaper than Utah?
Yes, Wyoming is 5% cheaper than Utah overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Utah more expensive than Wyoming?
Yes, Utah is 5% 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 Utah?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Utah, you would need approximately $95,075 in Wyoming. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (99.5 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Utah and Wyoming?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Wyoming. Median home prices are $480,000 in Utah vs $305,000 in Wyoming — a $175,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,219/mo.
What costs more in Utah vs Wyoming?
Housing is 25% higher in Utah (index 108.8 vs 87.1). Utilities is 15% lower in Utah (index 82.4 vs 97.2). Transportation is 13% higher in Utah (index 104.1 vs 91.9).
Is gas cheaper in Utah or Wyoming?
Gas averages $3.40/gallon in Utah and $3.20/gallon in Wyoming — a $0.20 difference per gallon.
Utah vs Wyoming cost of living — how do they compare?
Utah has an overall cost-of-living index of 99.5 and Wyoming has 94.6 (national average = 100). Utah is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Wyoming?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Utah has a flat income tax rate of 4.65%, applied uniformly to all taxable income. Wyoming has no state income tax and no corporate income tax. It relies on mineral extraction taxes. Use the Utah 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 Utah and Wyoming?
Utah 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
- Utah Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Wyoming Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Utah vs Wyoming Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Utah — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Wyoming — How much house can you afford?
- Utah Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Wyoming Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Utah Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Wyoming Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Utah 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.