Quick Wyoming Tax Stats:
| Tax Type | Rate / Info |
|---|---|
| Income Tax | 0% (no state income tax) |
| Sales Tax | 4% statewide base; up to ~6% combined with local taxes |
| Jock Tax | Wyoming has no income tax; visiting athletes still owe tax in states where they play away games |
| Cost of Living (Range) | $60,000 – $125,000 for single-person moderate-to-high lifestyle (Cheyenne, Casper, Jackson) |
| Average Home Price | ~$380,000 (3-bed/2-bath home in Cheyenne metro) |
Income Tax in Wyoming
Wyoming is one of the most tax-advantageous states in the country for high earners because it imposes no state income tax on wages, salaries, bonuses, or investment earnings.
For professional athletes, this means:
- Maximum net take-home pay: Earnings from contracts, signing bonuses, and endorsements are not reduced at the state level.
- Wealth preservation: Without state income tax, athletes retain more of their gross income, improving the net factor in long-term planning.
- Capital gains and passive income: Wyoming does not tax wage income or capital gains at the state level, which compounds net worth.
Example
A pro soccer player earning $15 million in salary and endorsements while domiciled in Wyoming avoids a state income tax bill that could be ~$2–$3.5 million in states like Minnesota or Oregon, a meaningful difference over a multi-year contract.
Because income tax is often the largest drag on net earnings for high-income individuals, Wyoming’s tax code allows athletes to structure residency and investment in a way that favors growth over leakage.
Sales Tax
Wyoming’s statewide 4% sales tax is one of the lowest in the nation.
Local jurisdictions may add additional surtaxes, bringing combined rates in some areas to about ~6% total.
Athletes and affluent residents can manage spending impact by:
- Planning purchases in jurisdictions with minimal local surtaxes.
- Using exemptions or timing purchases during periods with tax incentives.
Example
A $100,000 high-end vehicle purchase in Casper with a combined 6% tax rate results in ~$6,000 in sales tax, significantly less than in high rate states like Tennessee (~9.25%) or Florida (~7.5%).
Lower sales tax on major purchases can materially reduce consumption leakage for athletes with large discretionary budgets.
Jock Tax
Though Wyoming has no state income tax, professional athletes will still be subject to jock tax in other states where they earn taxable game income.
- Home game income earned in Wyoming is tax-free at the state level.
- Away game income is apportioned and taxed by states with personal income tax (e.g., California, New York, Massachusetts).
Example
An NFL linebacker domiciled in Casper will not owe Wyoming income tax on home game earnings but will owe a share of income to states like Pennsylvania or New Jersey when competing in road games there.
Zero home state tax combined with out-of-state jock tax obligations makes residency planning important for optimizing net earnings.
Cost of Living and Housing
Wyoming’s cost of living varies by metro area, but overall remains lower than major coastal markets or large urban hubs:
- Cheyenne / Casper: A professional athlete lifestyle (housing, services, transport, dining) might fall in the $85k–$115k range annually.
- Jackson / Teton County: High-end markets near ski and resort areas can rise to $110k–$125k+ depending on housing and lifestyle choices.
Housing
- Average 3-bed/2-bath homes in Cheyenne or Casper are ~$350-$400k+.
- Luxury mountain and resort communities (e.g., Jackson Hole) command significantly higher prices, often into the millions depending on location and acreage.
Wyoming’s property tax environment is generally favorable relative to many states because taxes are locally set and not compounded by state income tax obligations.
This improves net retention on real estate investments over time.
Residency Rules
Athletes establishing residency in Wyoming benefit from:
- Zero state income tax on active and passive income.
- Favorable structure for capital gains and investment earnings.
- A simple tax base that supports long-term wealth accumulation.
Typical residency documentation includes:
- Wyoming driver’s license or state ID
- Property ownership or lease documentation.
- Voter registration.
- Utility bills or other proof of physical presence.
Example
A college athlete with ties to the Mountain West might establish residency in Wyoming before entering a professional league in order to optimize net contract pay and reduce lifetime state tax drag.
Why Wyoming is Athlete-Friendly
- No state income tax on wages, bonuses, or passive income
- Low sales tax relative to many states
- Housing costs that are moderate outside resort markets
- Simple tax code supports long-term wealth retention
- Strategic for residency and investment planning
Wyoming’s tax structure makes it an attractive domicile for athletes focused on maximizing net income and accelerating wealth accumulation over time.
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Related No Income Tax States
- Nevada State Athlete Taxes
- Washington State Athlete Taxes
- Texas State Athlete Taxes
- Florida State Athlete Taxes
- Tennessee State Athlete Taxes
Next Reads
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- How NHL Players Get Paid Compared to Other Leagues
Credits
Sources: Wyoming Department of Revenue, Tax Foundation: State Tax Rates 2025, Zillow / Redfin Housing Data, APSM Financial Research
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute professional advice.
Apostle Sports Media 