The average motel cost in Wyoming depends far more on the town than on the season. Rooms in highway towns such as Buffalo, Gillette and Casper have been listed from roughly $40 to $130 a night, while Cody, Jackson and Teton Village can run several times higher in summer. Booking sites publish different statewide averages (one summary cites about $139 per night), so treat any single number as a rough midpoint, not a quote.
Average Motel Cost in Wyoming: Quick Answer
There is no official statewide motel price. A realistic plan is to budget by area, then add taxes and any pet or parking charges. The table shows example ranges seen in booking-site listings; they are snapshots for specific dates, not averages, and they change daily.
| Area | Example nightly range | What drives the price |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo, Gillette, Casper | About $40 to $130 | Interstate traffic, oil and ranch business travel |
| Cheyenne | Around $150 (one listing example) | State capital, I-25 hub, Frontier Days in July |
| Cody | About $165 to $210 in season | Yellowstone east and south gateways |
| Jackson and Teton Village | Several hundred dollars in peak season | Grand Teton, Yellowstone and ski demand |
If you plan to stay in Jackson, remember that many rooms there are hotels or lodges rather than budget motels, which is why the area skews so high. Our Wyoming resort cost guide covers the upscale end.
What Changes the Price of a Wyoming Motel
Four things move Wyoming rates the most:
- Park proximity. Towns at Yellowstone and Grand Teton entrances fill up from June through August, and prices rise with demand.
- Events. Cheyenne Frontier Days (late July) and summer holiday weekends can push rooms in Cheyenne and nearby towns up sharply.
- Season. Summer is the peak. Winter is slow in most towns, except near ski areas like Jackson Hole.
- Amenities. Free breakfast, a pool or a kitchenette add to the rate, but can save money on food.
Taxes and Fees on Your Motel Bill
The listed rate is rarely the final price. Wyoming charges a 4% state sales tax, and counties and cities can add local sales and lodging taxes, so the total commonly lands roughly 8% to 14% above the room rate depending on the town. Check the itemized total at checkout, or confirm current rules with the Wyoming Department of Revenue.
Also watch for pet fees (commonly $10 to $30 per night where pets are allowed, but policies vary), resort fees at some lodges, and parking charges at larger properties.
When to Book and How to Save
- Book park-gateway towns early. For June to August near Yellowstone or Grand Teton, many properties sell out months ahead. In other towns, a few weeks is usually enough.
- Stay one town away. Smaller towns near the parks are often cheaper than Jackson or Cody and can still work as bases; compare current rates.
- Travel in May or September. Shoulder months usually mean lower rates and lighter traffic, though some seasonal properties close.
- Choose free cancellation. You can re-check prices before the cancellation deadline.
- Compare the final total. Include taxes, pet fees and parking, not just the headline rate.
For neighboring states, compare our Montana, Utah and Idaho motel guides, or read the national average motel cost overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a motel cost per night in Wyoming?
It depends on the town. Basic motels in highway towns such as Buffalo, Gillette and Casper have been listed from about $40 to $130 per night, while Cody, Jackson and Teton Village can cost much more in summer. Statewide averages published by booking sites differ, so check your exact dates.
When are Wyoming motels cheapest?
Rates are usually lowest outside summer and away from the national parks. Shoulder months such as May and September, and winter in towns without ski resorts, tend to be cheaper. Cheyenne Frontier Days in July and summer weekends near Yellowstone and Grand Teton are the most expensive times.
What taxes are added to a Wyoming motel bill?
Wyoming has a 4% state sales tax, and counties and cities can add local sales and lodging taxes. Expect the total to be noticeably higher than the listed room rate and confirm the itemized amount at checkout.
How far ahead should I book a motel near Yellowstone or Grand Teton?
For June through August, many gateway-town motels sell out months ahead, so book as early as your plans allow and choose a refundable rate. In less busy towns and in the off-season, booking a few weeks ahead is usually enough.
Bottom Line
Plan on roughly $40 to $130 for a basic motel in Wyoming highway towns and much more in Cody, Jackson and Teton Village during summer. Confirm the all-in price for your exact dates before you book.
