Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $764 in Wyoming. Overall, Wyoming runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Michigan, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $69,171 in Wyoming — about 5% higher in Wyoming. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% state sales tax; Wyoming has no state income tax and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4%
+2.0 pp in Michigan
Income Tax (top rate)
4.25%
None
+4.3 pp in Michigan
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$764
+21% in Michigan
Median Home Value
$225,500
$302,200
+34% in Wyoming
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$69,171
+6% in Wyoming
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
45.4°F
+3.7°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Wyoming — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Wyoming?
- Wyoming is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $764 runs about 21% below Michigan's $964, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $31,000 in Wyoming.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Wyoming?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% and a 6% 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 Michigan/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.