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Wyoming

Low tax burden · COL index 101

Wins 9 categories

VS

California

High tax burden · COL index 142

Wins 3 categories

Wyoming has no state income tax. California's top rate is 13.3%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 41% higher than Wyoming (index 101). The median home in California costs $790K vs $350K in Wyoming. Politically, Wyoming voted Republican in 2024 (R+43.0) while California went Democratic (D+20.0).

Wyoming
California

Taxes

None
Income Tax (top rate)
13.3%
0.55%/yr
Property Tax Rate
0.71%/yr
5.34%
Sales Tax (avg)
8.82%
Yes
Social Security Tax
Yes
Yes
Estate Tax
Yes
None
Capital Gains Tax
As income

Housing & Cost of Living

101
COL Index (100=avg)
142
$350K
Median Home Price
$790K
$1,300/mo
Median Rent (2BR/mo)
$2,300/mo
$2K/yr
Home Insurance (avg/yr)
$2K/yr

Crime & Safety

221
Violent Crime / 100K
499
1,812
Property Crime / 100K
2,027

Healthcare

#33 of 50
Healthcare Quality Rank
#13 of 50
76 yrs
Life Expectancy
79.2 yrs
12.3%
Uninsured Rate
6.8%
No
Medicaid Expansion
Yes

Education

#39 of 50
K-12 Quality Rank
#20 of 50
No
School Choice / Vouchers
No

Childcare

$950/mo
Avg Infant Care / mo
$2,200/mo

Utilities & Daily Costs

$115/mo
Avg Energy Bill / mo
$175/mo
$500/mo
Avg Groceries / mo
$620/mo
#4 of 50
Road Quality Rank
#49 of 50

Social Policy

F
Gun Laws Grade
A
R+43.0
2024 Presidential Margin
D+20.0

Category wins

9

Wyoming

3

California

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People Also Ask

Are Californians moving to Wyoming?

That amounts to about 9,050 more Californians moving to Wyoming, on net, over the six year period.

How much cheaper is it to live in Wyoming than California?

Low Cost of Living According to My Life Elsewhere, Wyoming is 12.9% cheaper than California. You can expect to pay significantly less for groceries, transportation, restaurants, and housing. The cost of buying a home is also less in most Wyoming cities.

Is moving to Wyoming a good idea?

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wyoming?

Full Wyoming Profile →Full California Profile →

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My Property Is Worth

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Home Buying Budget

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Young areaRetirement-heavy

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