City Comparison
Douglas vs Laramie
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Laramie scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Douglas
Laramie
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Douglas is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Laramie.
| Metric | Douglas | Laramie | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $1,149 | -4% |
| Groceries | $380 | $377 | +1% |
| Utilities | $170 | $352 | -52% |
| Transport | $115 | $120 | -4% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $138 | +67% |
| Monthly Total | $1,995 | $2,136 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Laramie offers 5% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Laramie delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Douglas is estimated at
$48,000 vs $31,776 in Laramie.
| Metric | Douglas | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $65,136 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $31,776 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,957 idx | 68,564 idx |
| Household Income | $68,500 | $55,613 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Douglas runs warmer on average — a 48.4°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Douglas comes out ahead with 281 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Douglas sees 26.9 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Douglas | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.40°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.60°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 17.50°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 14.80 in | in |
| Snowfall | 26.90 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 281 | |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 46.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Laramie has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Douglas.
Douglas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Douglas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Douglas | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 13 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 30.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 40.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Laramie is the larger city
— approximately 0.2x the population of Douglas.
From a growth perspective, Laramie is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Laramie has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Douglas | Laramie |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,386 | 32,511 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.70% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 26.9 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 2.20% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Douglas
Advantages
No state personal income tax in Wyoming, providing financial relief for residents.
Proximity to scenic outdoor destinations like Ayres Natural Bridge Park and the North Platte River.
Low violent crime rates and a secure, family-friendly community environment.
Presence of Memorial Hospital of Converse County ensuring accessible local healthcare.
Host of the annual Wyoming State Fair, offering vibrant community culture and traditions.
Drawbacks
Economy is sensitive to cyclical fluctuations in the energy and mining sectors.
Limited public transportation infrastructure, making a personal vehicle essential.
Colder winter conditions and seasonal weather extremes require preparation.
Limited local options for high-end retail, major dining chains, and entertainment.
Geographic isolation from major metropolitan centers and large airports.
Laramie
Advantages
The cost of living in Laramie is lower than the national average, particularly for housing and groceries.
Laramie has a violent crime rate significantly below the national average, making it a very safe place to live.
The city offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
There are abundant outdoor activities available, including hiking, biking, skiing, and fishing, due to its proximity to mountains and forests.
Commute times are significantly shorter than the national average, at only 13 minutes.
Drawbacks
Childcare and dining out costs can be more expensive in Laramie compared to the national average.
Some residents may need to travel to larger cities for specialized medical care or extensive shopping options.
Despite growth, Laramie can still feel somewhat isolated, with a "middle of nowhere" feel for some.
The median household income in Laramie is lower than the national average.
The housing market, while affordable, has seen a slight decrease in median home prices in early 2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Douglas
#151Wyoming, USA
65.1 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,100
Avg Salary
$62,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
17 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
281/yr
Avg Temp
48.40°F
Pop. Growth
0.50%
Unemployment
3.80%
Livability
74
Business
67
Laramie
#17Wyoming, USA
73.9 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,149
Avg Salary
$65,136
Cost Index
95
Commute
13 min
Transit Score
30.0/100
Walkability
40.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.70%
Unemployment
2.20%
Livability
74
Business
68
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