DISCOVER WYOMING

Relocating to Wyoming from Out of State? Learn what buyers should know about lifestyle, housing, costs, and timing from a local real estate expert.

Moving to Wyoming

Moving to Wyoming isn’t about running away from Colorado, Texas, or California — it’s about choosing more space, lower taxes, cleaner air, and a pace of life that actually aligns with your values. I know this because I made the move myself, relocating from Denver to Wyoming and building a new life here in Sheridan County. As a local Wyoming Realtor who works daily with out-of-state buyers, I’ve seen firsthand why so many people are choosing Wyoming for its financial advantages, open land, and small-town communities. This relocation guide is designed to help you decide — clearly and confidently — whether moving to Wyoming is the right next step for you.

Considering a move? Download my Free Relocation Guide

Why People are Moving to Wyoming

Wyoming consistently ranks as one of the more affordable states in the country, with a cost‑of‑living index around 93.7—well below high‑cost states like California (around 142+) and lower than the U.S. average. For buyers coming from Denver, Austin, Dallas, Houston, or coastal California, that usually translates into more house, more land, or more financial breathing room for the same or less monthly outlay.

Lifestyle is the other big driver. Out‑of‑state buyers—especially remote workers and retirees—are trading congestion and noise for open space, access to public lands, and smaller communities where it’s normal to know your neighbors. Places like Sheridan, Ranchester, Dayton, Big Horn, and Buffalo sit at the base of the Bighorns, giving you mountain access without resort‑town chaos.

Cost of Living: WYO vs CO / TX / CA

Wyoming’s statewide cost of living is below the national average and significantly below California, somewhat below Colorado, and in a similar band to many parts of Texas depending on city.

Key money points:

Housing: Coastal California and Denver‑area housing costs are far higher than most Wyoming markets; Wyoming’s average house purchase price is around 484,000 dollars, but many towns come in well below that.
Everyday costs: Gas, groceries, and utilities are generally moderate; Wyoming’s average rent and utility bills are in the middle of the pack nationally, not the extremes.

For many relocators, the win isn’t just “cheaper”—it’s the ratio of what you pay to what you get in space, views, and quality of life.

Check Your Cost of Living to Compare

MAP: Cost of Living by State

Taxes: No State Income Tax & Low Property Taxes

Wyoming’s tax structure is a major reason high‑tax‑state residents look here. There is no state income tax, and property taxes are among the lowest in the country.

Highlights:

Average effective property tax rate is about 0.57%, putting Wyoming in the bottom tier nationally for property tax burden.
Residential property is assessed at only 9.5% of fair market value, which helps keep tax bills manageable even as home prices rise.
No state income tax means more of your salary, pension, or investment income stays with you—especially noticeable for higher earners and retirees.

Sales tax exists (state + local), and there are nuances by county, but the overall “tax climate” is intentionally homeowner‑friendly.

Weather, Wind and What It REALLY Feels Like

Because of its elevation, Wyoming as a whole has a relatively cool, dry climate with big temperature swings and a lot of sunshine. Winters can be long and cold, and the state is known for frequent wind, with many areas seeing regular 30–40 mph winter winds and gusts higher. The weather is influenced by your location - with some areas of the State being more prone it. And of course a house on the plains will almost always have a breeze of some sort.

What relocators notice most:

Four real seasons: Hot, dryish summers; colorful falls; real winter; and quick springs—especially in the Bighorn foothills.
Wind: More noticeable than many Front Range or Texas metros; it’s a constant factor in winter driving, outdoor plans, and home maintenance. But here's an interesting fact ... On an average annual basis, Parker Colorado is windier than Sheridan, Wyoming.
Micro‑climates: Mountain‑adjacent towns like Sheridan, Big Horn, and the Tongue River Valley experience cooler temps and more moisture than lower‑elevation basins and some parts of Texas.

If you’re coming from Denver, most of the weather will feel familiar—but with more wind and some colder snaps; from coastal California or humid Texas, the dryness and temperature swings will be a big change.

View Homes in Sheridan

Politics, Culture and Lifestyle Fit

Wyoming is one of the most consistently Republican‑voting states in the U.S., with a culture built around independence, local control, and skepticism of heavy regulation. Surveys and recent election data confirm a strong conservative majority, including broad support for Republican presidential candidates and low tolerance for big‑city style governance.

Core cultural themes you’ll feel on the ground:

Strong individualism: “Cowboy‑style” self‑reliance and preference for minimal government interference.
Rural lifestyle: Even in towns, people value space, privacy, and community over density and nightlife.
Energy and agriculture: Ranching and energy (coal, oil, gas) are part of the identity, even if you work in a laptop job.

If you lean very urban or want a highly progressive environment, Wyoming may feel like a culture shock; if you value personal freedom, low bureaucracy, and tight‑knit communities, the fit can be excellent

If you're ready to learn more about the Sheridan area community, grab a spot on my calendar and let's chat.

Where to Live: Northern Wyoming and the Bighorn Foothills

As a top‑producing eXp Realty agent who personally relocated from Denver to Sheridan, this agent specializes in the Bighorn foothill towns that out‑of‑state buyers ask about first. After growing up in beautiful Cody, Wyoming ... when I decided to move back to Wyoming, I chose Sheridan. Read more about my journey.

You may also want to explore:

Living in Sheridan, Wyoming – small city with full services, hospital, college, and vibrant downtown.
Living in Dayton, Wyoming – foothill town at the mouth of Tongue River Canyon, close to trails.
Living in Ranchester, Wyoming – small Tongue River Valley town with schools and community feel.
Living in Big Horn, Wyoming – rural, polo and ranch country with premium properties and views.
Living in Buffalo, Wyoming – historic Western town and gateway to the Bighorn Mountains.

Why Work With Me on Your Wyoming Move

Relocating across state lines isn’t just a transaction—it’s a life redesign. The reason buyers from Colorado, Texas, and California trust this process with me is simple: this isn’t theory. It’s my actual life story, backed by top‑tier production experience.

A few years ago, I was exactly where you are now—wondering if the trade‑offs of leaving Denver were worth it. I had a full life, a strong business, and a community I loved, but the cost, pace, and pressure of big‑city living no longer matched the life I wanted next. I chose Sheridan and the Bighorn foothills on purpose, and I’ve walked through every part of that transition: selling in a hot Front Range market, timing a cross‑state move, navigating Wyoming weather, and rebuilding community from the ground up.

Professionally, I bring big‑market skill to small‑town Wyoming. As a top‑producing eXp Realty agent ranked in the top 250 in the nation for 2024, I’ve negotiated in competitive metros, analyzed fast‑moving markets, and built systems that keep complex moves from going off the rails. That experience now lives inside a relocation‑specific playbook designed for out‑of‑state buyers—especially those coming from CO, TX, and CA—so you aren’t guessing your way through timelines, offers, inspections, and logistics.

When you work with me, you get:

A Realtor who has personally made the Denver → Sheridan move and can tell you what’s brochure‑pretty versus what’s real.
Data‑driven guidance on cost of living, taxes, and neighborhoods, paired with honest conversations about culture, weather, and lifestyle fit.
A single point of contact who can connect you with trusted local lenders, inspectors, and service providers so your Wyoming plan is complete, not pieced together from random searches.

Most importantly, you get someone who sees this as a life decision first and a real estate decision second—and is willing to tell you if Wyoming, or a specific town, isn’t the right fit for what you truly want.

📥 Thinking about leaving Colorado, Texas or California? Download Your Free Sheridan Area Relocation Guide and get a clear, local look at housing, cost of living and lifestyle before you decide.