Cost of Living in Laramie, WY
Population 31,848 · Wyoming · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Laramie's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $52,414 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. A poverty rate near 22% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Laramie is about 60 miles northwest of Fort Collins, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Fort Collins' $548,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Laramie
The median home value in Laramie is $302,200 — 1% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $933/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,414/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wyoming charges no state income tax, a meaningful advantage for take-home pay. The climate averages highs of 55.1°F and lows of 27.6°F. Overall, Laramie has a cost of living index of 88 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 12% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 36 | 45 | 51 | 62 | 74 | 81 | 79 | 70 | 56 | 43 | 33 |
| Low °F | 10 | 12 | 19 | 25 | 33 | 42 | 49 | 47 | 39 | 28 | 18 | 10 |
| Precip" | 0.28 | 0.32 | 0.48 | 1.04 | 1.75 | 1.49 | 1.34 | 1.14 | 1.11 | 0.83 | 0.42 | 0.32 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Laramie, WY?
Laramie has a cost index of 88 (100 = national average). It is 12% below the national average.
What is average rent in Laramie, WY?
The median gross rent in Laramie is $933 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Laramie?
The median home value in Laramie is $302,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Laramie?
The median household income in Laramie is $52,414 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Laramie, WY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Laramie is 5.3%. Wyoming has no state income tax.
Is Laramie, WY affordable?
Yes, Laramie is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 88 — about 12% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Laramie?
Laramie has average high temperatures of 55.1°F and average lows of 27.6°F. Annual precipitation is 10.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Laramie at a Glance
- Population
- 31,848
- Median Income
- $52,414
- Home Value
- $302,200
- Median Rent
- $933/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Wyoming Rankings
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