Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $900 in Alabama versus $764 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 15% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $55,687 in Alabama and $69,171 in Wyoming — about 19% higher in Wyoming. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
4%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
None
+5.0 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$900
$764
+15% in Alabama
Median Home Value
$148,500
$302,200
+104% in Wyoming
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$55,687
$69,171
+24% in Wyoming
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
45.4°F
+17.9°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $764 runs about 15% below Alabama's $900, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Wyoming?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Alabama versus $31,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Wyoming?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Alabama/Wyoming — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.