City Comparison
Powell vs Casper
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Powell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Powell
Casper
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Powell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
20% lower than in Casper.
Housing costs are a major driver: Powell's average rent is
21% lower than Casper's.
| Metric | Powell | Casper | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,198 | -21% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $170 | $257 | -34% |
| Transport | $110 | $120 | -8% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $250 | -12% |
| Monthly Total | $1,830 | $2,275 | -20% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 90 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Casper offers 7% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Casper delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Powell is estimated at
$45,000 vs $54,000 in Casper.
| Metric | Powell | Casper |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $52,000 | $56,133 |
| Salary Needed | $45,000 | $54,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 56,522 idx | 62,370 idx |
| Household Income | $58,500 | $72,156 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 2.4°F of each other.
Winter severity differs too — Powell sees 3.4 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Powell | Casper |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 46.90°F | 49.30°F |
| Summer High | 82.60°F | 85.00°F |
| Winter Low | 12.10°F | 19.10°F |
| Rainfall | 14.00 in | 13.30 in |
| Snowfall | 33.20 in | 29.80 in |
| Sunny Days | 294 | 292 |
| Humidity | 50.00% | % |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 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 | Powell | Casper |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 14 min | 15 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Casper is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Powell.
From a growth perspective, Powell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Casper has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Powell | Casper |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,489 | 58,997 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.80% | 0.10% |
| Median Age | 36.5 | 37.3 |
| Unemployment | 3.50% | 2.50% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Powell
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per FBI crime data.
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain below the national average per US Census Bureau metrics.
Proximity to Yellowstone National Forest provides world-class outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Strong local educational framework anchored by Northwest College and dedicated public school districts.
Welcoming small-town community atmosphere with active local events and low traffic congestion.
Drawbacks
Limited local public transit options necessitate high car dependency for daily needs.
Geographic isolation means specialized shopping, major airports, and advanced medical centers require driving to larger cities.
Winter weather brings harsh freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall that can impact travel.
Limited high-paying corporate job sectors within city limits compared to larger metropolitan economies.
Housing inventory can occasionally be constrained for prospective buyers and renters.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Powell
#90Wyoming, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
78
Business
67
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
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