Wyoming sales tax is something every shopper in the Cowboy State should understand. The state charges a base rate of 4%, which is among the lowest in the nation. However, local counties and cities add their own taxes on top. Most Wyoming shoppers pay between 5% and 6% at checkout. In addition, some tourist areas like Jackson charge even more. Knowing these rates helps you budget better and find ways to save. This guide breaks down exactly what you’ll pay when shopping across Wyoming in 2026.
Wyoming Sales Tax Rate: The Basics
Wyoming’s state sales tax rate is a flat 4%. Counties and cities can add up to 2% more in most areas. The average combined Wyoming sales tax rate comes to about 5.36%. That’s well below the national average of roughly 6.45%. For example, a $100 purchase in most Wyoming cities costs you about $6 in tax. Compared to neighboring Colorado at 7.77% combined, Wyoming shoppers come out ahead.
| Tax Component | Rate |
|---|---|
| Wyoming state sales tax | 4.00% |
| Average local add-on | 1.36% |
| Average combined rate | 5.36% |
| National average combined | 6.45% |
| Maximum possible rate (Teton Village) | 9.00% |
Wyoming also has no state income tax. As a result, sales tax plays a bigger role in funding local services. The good news is that the overall tax burden remains low for shoppers. Most everyday purchases stay under a 6% total rate.
What Wyoming Does and Does Not Tax
One of the best perks for Wyoming shoppers is the grocery exemption. Unprepared food for home consumption is completely tax-free. This includes bread, milk, eggs, meat, fruits, and vegetables. However, prepared foods and restaurant meals are fully taxable. Specifically, hot foods, deli items, and vending machine purchases all get taxed.
Prescription medications are also exempt from Wyoming sales tax. Insulin qualifies for this exemption even without a prescription. However, over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers and cold medicine are taxable. In addition, clothing and footwear are fully taxed at standard rates. Wyoming is not like Pennsylvania or New Jersey, where clothing is tax-free.
| Category | Taxed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (unprepared food) | No | Exempt at state and local level |
| Restaurant meals / prepared food | Yes | Full combined rate applies |
| Clothing and shoes | Yes | No exemption of any kind |
| Prescription drugs | No | Includes insulin without Rx |
| Over-the-counter medicine | Yes | Full combined rate applies |
| Electronics and appliances | Yes | Full combined rate applies |
| Furniture and household goods | Yes | Full combined rate applies |
| Personal hygiene products | Yes | Full combined rate applies |
| Medical devices (prescribed) | No | Wheelchairs, prosthetics, etc. |
| Residential utilities | No | Exempt in most jurisdictions |
Understanding these exemptions can save you real money. For example, stocking up on groceries instead of eating out avoids sales tax entirely. Check our guide to stacking coupons, cashback, and sales for even more savings strategies.
Wyoming Sales Tax by City and County
Local rates vary significantly across Wyoming. Most larger cities charge a combined rate of 6%. However, a few places are lower, and one tourist destination goes much higher. Specifically, Teton County charges 3% in local taxes. Add the resort district tax in areas like Teton Village, and the rate hits 9%. That’s more than double the state base rate.
| City | County | Local Rate | Combined Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheyenne | Laramie | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Casper | Natrona | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Laramie | Albany | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Gillette | Campbell | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Rock Springs | Sweetwater | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Sheridan | Sheridan | 2.00% | 6.00% |
| Jackson | Teton | 3.00% | 7.00% |
| Cody | Park | 1.00% | 5.00% |
| Evanston | Uinta | 1.00% | 5.00% |
If you’re visiting Jackson Hole or Teton Village, expect to pay noticeably more. A $500 jacket costs $35 in tax at Jackson’s 7% rate. That same jacket in Cody costs just $25. Shopping in lower-rate cities can save you real money on big purchases.
Wyoming Sales Tax Holidays
Wyoming does not offer any sales tax holidays. There are no back-to-school weekends, hurricane prep events, or Energy Star appliance exemptions. This has been consistent state policy for years. Unlike many Southern and Midwestern states, Wyoming has never enacted a tax-free shopping period.
However, nearby states sometimes do. Montana has no sales tax at all. If you live near the Montana border, shopping across state lines is always tax-free there. In addition, some Colorado cities occasionally participate in state tax holidays. Check our best time to buy everything calendar for the best deals year-round regardless of tax holidays.
Online Shopping and Wyoming Sales Tax
Wyoming uses a destination-based system for online sales tax. This means the rate you pay matches your delivery address. If you live in Cheyenne, you’ll pay 6% on online orders. If you’re in Cody, you’ll pay 5%. The seller’s location doesn’t matter.
Major online retailers like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target automatically collect Wyoming sales tax at checkout. Marketplace platforms like eBay and Etsy do the same. Specifically, any seller exceeding $100,000 in annual Wyoming sales must collect tax. As a result, most online purchases now include the correct sales tax automatically.
If a smaller retailer doesn’t charge sales tax, you technically owe Wyoming use tax. The use tax rate is the same as your local sales tax rate. However, enforcement on individual consumer purchases is rare. For tips on saving more when shopping online, check out our complete guide to saving money shopping online.
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Smart Shopping Tips for Wyoming
1. Stock up on groceries to avoid tax. Since groceries are exempt from Wyoming sales tax, cooking at home instead of dining out saves you the full tax rate. A family spending $200 weekly on dining out pays $12 in tax at 6%. Those same groceries would cost $0 in tax.
2. Shop in lower-rate counties for big purchases. If you’re buying expensive items like furniture or electronics, consider shopping in Cody or Evanston. Their 5% combined rate saves you a full percentage point compared to Cheyenne or Casper. On a $2,000 appliance, that’s $20 back in your pocket.
3. Avoid shopping in Jackson for non-essentials. Teton County’s 7% rate is Wyoming’s highest standard rate. Save your Jackson trips for sightseeing. Buy big-ticket items elsewhere when possible.
4. Take advantage of Montana’s zero sales tax. If you live in northern Wyoming near Sheridan or Cody, the Montana border isn’t far. Montana charges no sales tax at all. For major purchases, the drive could be worth it.
5. Use cashback apps to offset sales tax. While you can’t avoid sales tax on most purchases, cashback apps effectively reduce your total cost. Browse our cashback app reviews to find the best options. In addition, visit our shopping guides for more money-saving strategies throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sales tax rate in Wyoming?
The Wyoming sales tax base rate is 4%. With local taxes added, most shoppers pay between 5% and 6%. The statewide average combined rate is approximately 5.36%. Jackson in Teton County has the highest standard rate at 7%.
Are groceries taxed in Wyoming?
No. Unprepared food for home consumption is completely exempt from Wyoming sales tax. This includes all standard grocery items. However, prepared foods, restaurant meals, and hot deli items are fully taxable at the combined rate.
Does Wyoming have a sales tax holiday?
No. Wyoming does not offer any sales tax holidays or tax-free shopping weekends. This applies to all categories including clothing, school supplies, and electronics. Shoppers looking for tax-free deals may consider crossing into Montana, which has no sales tax at all.
Start Saving on Every Purchase
Now that you know your state’s sales tax rates, use that knowledge to time your purchases and stack savings. Combine tax-free shopping periods with cashback apps and coupon codes to keep more money in your pocket.
Official Sources
- Tax Foundation — state and local sales tax data
- IRS.gov — federal tax information
- FTC Consumer Information — shopping rights and protections
Rates current as of May 2026. Sales tax rates change periodically. Always verify current rates with your state’s revenue department.