City Comparison
Douglas vs Powell
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Powell scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Douglas
Powell
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Powell is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
8% lower than in Douglas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Douglas's average rent is
16% higher than Powell's.
| Metric | Douglas | Powell | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,100 | $950 | +16% |
| Groceries | $380 | $380 | 0% |
| Utilities | $170 | $170 | 0% |
| Transport | $115 | $110 | +5% |
| Healthcare | $230 | $220 | +5% |
| Monthly Total | $1,995 | $1,830 | +9% |
| Cost Index | 94 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Douglas offers 19% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Douglas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Douglas is estimated at
$48,000 vs $45,000 in Powell.
| Metric | Douglas | Powell |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $62,000 | $52,000 |
| Salary Needed | $48,000 | $45,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 65,957 idx | 56,522 idx |
| Household Income | $68,500 | $58,500 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 1.5°F of each other.
For sunshine, Powell comes out ahead with 13 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Powell sees 6.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Douglas | Powell |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 48.40°F | 46.90°F |
| Summer High | 81.60°F | 82.60°F |
| Winter Low | 17.50°F | 12.10°F |
| Rainfall | 14.80 in | 14.00 in |
| Snowfall | 26.90 in | 33.20 in |
| Sunny Days | 281 | 294 |
| Humidity | 55.00% | 50.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Powell has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
1,500 minutes (25 hours) per year compared to Douglas.
| Metric | Douglas | Powell |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 17 min | 14 min |
| Transit Score | 35.0/100 | 35.0/100 |
| Walkability | 58.0/100 | 58.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 22.00 | 22.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Powell is the larger city
.
From a growth perspective, Powell is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Powell has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Douglas | Powell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,386 | 6,489 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.50% | 0.80% |
| Median Age | 38.5 | 36.5 |
| Unemployment | 3.80% | 3.50% |
| 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.
Powell
Advantages
Violent and property crime rates are significantly lower than the U.S. national average per FBI crime data.
Median home prices and overall cost of living remain below the national average per US Census Bureau metrics.
Proximity to Yellowstone National Forest provides world-class outdoor recreation including hunting, fishing, and hiking.
Strong local educational framework anchored by Northwest College and dedicated public school districts.
Welcoming small-town community atmosphere with active local events and low traffic congestion.
Drawbacks
Limited local public transit options necessitate high car dependency for daily needs.
Geographic isolation means specialized shopping, major airports, and advanced medical centers require driving to larger cities.
Winter weather brings harsh freezing temperatures and occasional heavy snowfall that can impact travel.
Limited high-paying corporate job sectors within city limits compared to larger metropolitan economies.
Housing inventory can occasionally be constrained for prospective buyers and renters.
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
Powell
#90Wyoming, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$52,000
Cost Index
92
Commute
14 min
Transit Score
35.0/100
Walkability
58.0/100
Sunny Days
294/yr
Avg Temp
46.90°F
Pop. Growth
0.80%
Unemployment
3.50%
Livability
78
Business
67
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