The Cost of Living Diaries: Casper, WY
Get the inside scoop on what it's like to be a local in this stunning Wyoming city.
Welcome to The Cost of Living Diaries. How much does it cost to live in Casper, Wyoming? Keep reading because we asked a Casper resident to tell us all about the cost of living in this thriving city!
Exquisite views, amazing outdoor recreation, affordable homes, delicious dines and friendly people – it’s easy to see why people love to call Casper home. Located in east-central Wyoming, Casper offers a relaxed, yet flourishing lifestyle that’s hard to replicate.
Kate Hoines
Kate Hoines relocated from the Kansas City, Kansas, area to Casper about two years ago for a job opportunity. She works as a designer at Stateline No. 7 Architects, a local interior design, architecture and planning firm.
What about Casper did you find attractive?
One of the main draws of moving out here was the cost of living. I had been looking at the Denver area, but housing there is crazy, and taxes are crazy. Wyoming has no state income tax and then housing is affordable. It’s a small town, but you still get mountain amenities – you know, you can go hiking and enjoy the mountain and lakes nearby without the crazy big-city prices.
What was it like finding housing in the area?
I did an apartment first for six months, and I’d say that’s another draw. There are a lot of apartments around here that are flexible with your leases; in Kansas, it’s pretty strict. I did six months hoping to find a house, which I did. The house ended up being $218,500, and it’s a newer home – two-bed, one-bath. It was a really good deal, actually. Homes were definitely going for more in the Kansas City area than here in Casper.
What do you like to do for entertainment in the area?
For me, because I have a 2-and-a-half-year-old, we mostly go to the parks, and there are a lot of parks in the area for how small it is – lots of playgrounds. We’ll go on trails on the mountain or by the river. There’s a really nice Platte River Trails system, so you can ride your bike or walk. And then there are a lot of dog parks. There are a lot of breweries, as well.
What’s your favorite restaurant, and how much would dinner and drinks cost for two people?
I think Casper is known for not having a bunch of chain restaurants. They have a lot that are locally owned, so that’s nice. Wyoming Ale Works is a bar and grill, and they have a lot of local brews on tap. They have a good burger, pasta, steaks – a little bit of everything. You’re probably spending $50 if you’re getting drinks and each person gets dinner.
Get to Know Casper
Want to learn more about living and working in Casper, WY? Check out the latest edition of Livability Casper, Wyoming.
