City Comparison
Casper vs Laramie
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Laramie scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Casper
Laramie
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Laramie is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
6% lower than in Casper.
| Metric | Casper | Laramie | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,198 | $1,149 | +4% |
| Groceries | $450 | $377 | +19% |
| Utilities | $257 | $352 | -27% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $250 | $138 | +81% |
| Monthly Total | $2,275 | $2,136 | +7% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Laramie offers 14% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Laramie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Casper is estimated at
$54,000 vs $31,776 in Laramie.
| Metric | Casper | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $56,133 | $65,136 |
| Salary Needed | $54,000 | $31,776 |
| Purchasing Power | 62,370 idx | 68,564 idx |
| Household Income | $72,156 | $55,613 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Casper runs warmer on average — a 49.3°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Casper comes out ahead with 292 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Casper sees 29.8 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Casper | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 49.30°F | °F |
| Summer High | 85.00°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.10°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 13.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 29.80 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 292 | |
| Humidity | % | 46.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Casper scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Casper leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Casper | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 15 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 55.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 60.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 45.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Casper is the larger city
— approximately 1.8x the population of Laramie.
From a growth perspective, Laramie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Laramie has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Casper | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 58,997 | 32,511 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.10% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 37.3 | 26.9 |
| Unemployment | 2.50% | 2.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Casper
Advantages
No state income tax, saving residents a significant portion of their earnings.
Affordable housing market with median home prices and rental rates well below national averages.
Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, fishing, and skiing, with natural beauty readily accessible.
Short commute times and minimal traffic congestion, averaging around 13-20 minutes.
A strong sense of community and a grounded lifestyle, appealing to those seeking a less hectic pace.
Drawbacks
Relentless wind is a constant factor, particularly noticeable in spring.
Winters can be harsh and cold, with potential for significant snowfall.
Smaller job market and fewer amenities compared to major metropolitan areas.
Geographic distance from major cities can lead to longer travel times for certain services or attractions.
Limited selection for shopping and dining options compared to larger urban centers.
Laramie
Advantages
The cost of living in Laramie is lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Laramie has a violent crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
There are abundant outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, due to its proximity to mountains and forests.
Commute times are significantly shorter than the national average, at only 13 minutes.
Drawbacks
Childcare and dining out costs can be more expensive in Laramie compared to the national average.
Some residents may need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical care or extensive shopping options.
Despite growth, Laramie can still feel somewhat isolated, with a "middle of nowhere" feel for some.
The median household income in Laramie is lower than the national average.
The housing market, while affordable, has seen a slight decrease in median home prices in early 2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Casper
#236Wyoming, USA
62.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,198
Avg Salary
$56,133
Cost Index
90
Commute
15 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
292/yr
Avg Temp
49.30°F
Pop. Growth
0.10%
Unemployment
2.50%
Livability
74
Business
68
Laramie
#17Wyoming, USA
73.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,149
Avg Salary
$65,136
Cost Index
95
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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