Living Alone in Laramie, WY: What It Really Costs
A complete monthly budget breakdown for a single person living independently in Laramie. Based on 2026 federal data adjusted for local cost of living.
B
$1,125/month
Laramie is 6% below the national average — a solid choice for solo living.
$19,286
Minimum Salary Needed
$23,143
Comfortable Salary
$407
Essential Costs
$718
Discretionary
What Does Solo Living in Laramie Look Like?
Laramie is a mid-size city in the Western United States with a population of 32,711 and a median household income of $40,128. For someone living alone, the biggest expense is housing — a studio or 1-bedroom apartment will run you about $135/month, which accounts for 12% of your total monthly spend. With costs running 6% below average, you can stretch a modest salary further here than in most major metros.
Complete Monthly Budget Breakdown
| Category | Monthly Cost | % of Budget | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $135 | 12% | Essential |
| 🛒 Groceries (one person) | $17 | 2% | Essential |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | 1% | Essential |
| 🚗 Transportation | $19 | 2% | Essential |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $181 | 16% | Essential |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $43 | 4% | Essential |
| 📡 Internet | $61 | 5% | Discretionary |
| 📱 Phone Plan | $72 | 6% | Discretionary |
| 🍽️ Dining Out | $235 | 21% | Discretionary |
| 🎬 Entertainment | $141 | 13% | Discretionary |
| 💇 Personal Care | $75 | 7% | Discretionary |
| 👕 Clothing | $89 | 8% | Discretionary |
| 📺 Subscriptions & Gym | $45 | 4% | Discretionary |
| Total Monthly Budget | $1,125 | 100% |
Can You Afford to Live Alone in Laramie?
Here's how different salary levels stack up against the solo living costs in Laramie:
$40,000
gross annual
+$1,342
monthly surplus
Save 54%
$50,000
gross annual
+$1,958
monthly surplus
Save 64%
$60,000
gross annual
+$2,575
monthly surplus
Save 70%
$75,000
gross annual
+$3,500
monthly surplus
Save 76%
$100,000
gross annual
+$5,042
monthly surplus
Save 82%
$125,000
gross annual
+$6,583
monthly surplus
Save 85%
Tips for Living Alone in Laramie
- 💡 Housing: Laramie's rent is manageable for solo earners. Focus on securing a lease with utilities included to stabilize your monthly costs.
- 🍳 Food: Cooking at home saves roughly $141/month vs eating out regularly. Meal prep on Sundays is the single biggest budget lever for solo dwellers.
- 🚌 Transport: In a small-size city like Laramie, a car is likely essential. Budget for maintenance separately — about $94/month.
- 🏥 Insurance: If your employer offers health coverage, your actual out-of-pocket drops significantly. The $43/month estimate assumes marketplace insurance.
- 💰 The 50/30/20 Rule: On a $23,143 salary, aim for $714 needs, $428 wants, $285 savings per month.
More Affordable Alternatives in the West
Explore More for Laramie
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to live alone in Laramie?
The estimated total monthly cost of living alone in Laramie is $1,125, including $135 for a studio/1-bedroom apartment,$17 for groceries, and $12 for utilities. This is 6% below the national average for solo living.
What salary do I need to live alone in Laramie?
You need a minimum gross salary of approximately $19,286 to cover basic living expenses alone in Laramie. For a comfortable lifestyle with a savings buffer, aim for at least $23,143.
Is Laramie affordable for a single person?
Yes, Laramie is more affordable than average for solo dwellers, with costs running 6% below the national median. This makes it a viable option even on a moderate income.
What is the biggest expense when living alone in Laramie?
Housing is by far the largest expense, accounting for 12% of the total monthly budget at $135/month for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. The next largest expenses are transportation ($19) and groceries ($17).