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Moving from Wyoming to California

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism. vs. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

WY state flag
Living now

Wyoming

Capital: Cheyenne

Median household income $72,495 · winter low 13°F · 220 sunny days

Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism.

CA state flag
Moving to

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

California has an overall price level 110.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wyoming
92.7
California
110.7
California has 19% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wyoming
71.1
California
154.3
California has 117% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.2
California
102.7
California has 4.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.9
California
101.6
California has 2.7% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wyoming
13.6 ¢/kWh
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
California has 145% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.5
California
102.1
California has 3.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Wyoming
$339,500
California
$759,500
California is 124% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wyoming
$783/mo
California
$1,835/mo
California is 134% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 84°F · Winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wyoming
82°F
California
84°F
California is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wyoming
13°F
California
45°F
California is 246% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wyoming
43°F
California
59°F
California is 36% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wyoming
220
California
258
California has 17% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wyoming
13 in
California
26 in
California is 92% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wyoming
42
California
68
California has 62% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wyoming
58 in
California
16 in
California is 72% less annual snowfall

Get the full WyomingCalifornia report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in California than Wyoming?

California's overall price level is roughly 113 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.4 for Wyoming — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Wyoming tops out at 0% income tax. California tops out at 13.3%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in California?

Most California residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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