Is It Cheaper to Buy Land and Build a House in Wyoming?

The short answer is not always. The idea of buying land in Wyoming and building a home designed around your lifestyle is appealing, especially if you love space, views, and privacy. But once you get into the details, building a home can cost more and take longer than many people expect.

At Unshakeable Custom Homes, I spend a lot of time walking people through this exact question. We build custom homes throughout western Wyoming, and I want clients to understand the full picture before they buy land or commit to a build. This article is meant to give you honest and much-needed context.

If you are weighing the cost of buying land and building versus purchasing an existing home, here is how it really breaks down in Wyoming.

If you want to talk through your specific situation, feel free to call me directly at (706) 840-4301 for a custom home consultation. From architectural services to building a custom home in Jackson Hole, we are here to help.

Land Costs in Western Wyoming

Land prices vary dramatically depending on location, access, and improvements. In places like Jackson Hole, Star Valley, Alpine, and surrounding areas, buildable land is limited, which pushes prices higher.

A parcel that already has road access, power nearby, and an approved septic location will always cost more than raw land. That premium exists because the hard work has already been done.

In western Wyoming, land prices commonly fall into these ranges:

• Jackson Hole and surrounding Teton County areas often exceed $600,000 and can climb well past $1 million

• Star Valley and Lincoln County offer more affordability, often between $150,000 and $400,000 depending on improvements

• Remote acreage may look inexpensive at first, but often carries hidden costs

The Hidden Cost of Making Land Buildable

Well and Septic System Installation Costs

If your property does not have access to municipal water or sewer, you will need a well and septic system. In western Wyoming, this typically runs between $30,000 and $60,000, and sometimes more.

Soil conditions, groundwater depth, and required septic design all influence the final number. Engineered septic systems can quickly increase costs if standard systems are not allowed.

Driveway and Access Construction

Driveway costs depend heavily on distance, slope, and soil conditions. A short gravel driveway might cost $10,000, while a long or steep access road can easily exceed $40,000.

In winter climates like ours, proper base preparation matters. Skimping here usually leads to maintenance issues later.

Power and Utility Connections

If power is not already on the property, extending service from the nearest utility point often costs between $10,000 and $25,000. Remote sites or properties far from paved roads can exceed that range.

Temporary power during construction is another cost that often surprises buyers.

Permitting and Engineering Requirements

Wyoming does not require a state level contractor license, but local jurisdictions absolutely require permits and engineered plans.

In counties like Teton and Lincoln, you must account for:

• Snow load requirements that vary by elevation

• Wind speed criteria that influence roof and structural design

• Setbacks, height limits, and zoning rules

• Environmental overlays and architectural review boards in some communities

Engineering and permitting costs typically range from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on complexity.

Building a Home Versus Buying One in Western Wyoming

Buying an existing home often feels simpler. In Jackson Hole, the median home price is well over $3 million. In Star Valley and Alpine, prices are lower but competition remains strong for newer or updated homes.

Building a custom home in western Wyoming typically starts around $400 to $500 per square foot. Higher end finishes, complex designs, and difficult sites can push that number much higher.

Here is a general breakdown of where construction dollars go on a custom home:

• Site work and foundation preparation

• Framing, roofing, and insulation

• Windows, siding, and exterior finishes

• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems

• Interior finishes like flooring, cabinetry, and trim

• Design, engineering, and permitting

A 2,500 square foot home with moderate finishes often lands between $1 million and $1.5 million, not including land.

Construction Loans and Financing in Wyoming

Construction loans work very differently than traditional mortgages. Most lenders require:

• Twenty to thirty percent down

• Full construction plans and specifications

• A detailed project budget

• A signed contract with an experienced builder

Interest accrues during construction, and funds are released in phases. You will also need to plan for housing costs elsewhere while the home is being built.

Many loans convert to a permanent mortgage once construction is complete, but that interim period requires careful financial planning.

Construction Timelines in Western Wyoming

Weather plays a major role in scheduling. Depending on elevation and site conditions, construction often begins in late spring or early summer.

Typical timelines look like this:

• Pre construction and permitting: four to eight months

• Active construction: nine to fifteen months

• Total time from land purchase to move in: fourteen to twenty four months

Snow, labor availability, and material delays can all influence the schedule.

How Western Wyoming Differs From Other Parts of the State

Western Wyoming presents very different challenges than other populated areas of the state.

In places like Jackson Hole, Star Valley, and Pinedale, factors such as snow load, wind exposure, and remote access heavily influence design and cost. Materials often travel long distances, and qualified trades can be harder to schedule.

Building Costs in Other Wyoming Population Centers

In cities like Casper, Cheyenne, Gillette, and Rock Springs, land is generally more available and infrastructure is easier to access. Utility connections are often simpler, and permitting timelines can be shorter.

Construction costs may be lower in these regions, but design standards and long term performance still matter. While Unshakeable Custom Homes focuses on western Wyoming, understanding these differences helps set realistic expectations statewide.

When Building a Home Makes Sense Financially

Building often makes the most sense when:

• You already own land

• You cannot find an existing home that fits your needs

• You plan to stay long term

• You value control over layout, materials, and performance

Custom homes tend to appreciate well over time, especially in limited supply markets.

FAQs About Buying Land and Building in Wyoming

Is it cheaper to build in Star Valley than Jackson Hole?

Yes, in most cases. Jackson Hole land values are among the highest in the country, and labor and permitting costs follow suit. In Star Valley or Alpine, you’ll still face site development and construction expenses, but the lower cost of land, shorter permitting timelines, and slightly reduced subcontractor rates can make a noticeable difference.

How much should I budget for site preparation?

We recommend setting aside $50,000 to $150,000 for site prep alone. This covers everything from excavation, grading, and utility trenching to well, septic, and driveway installation. Remote sites, steep slopes, and difficult soils can increase this number quickly. Before you buy land, it’s smart to get a rough site prep estimate.

Do I need to hire an architect separately?

Not if you work with us. At Unshakeable Custom Homes, we handle everything in-house (from architectural design to structural engineering, permitting, and construction). This streamlines communication, saves time, and keeps your design aligned with your budget.

How long does the permitting process take?

In Teton County, permits can take several months, especially if your project falls under environmental overlays or architectural review. Lincoln and Sublette counties tend to be faster, often issuing permits within a few weeks once all documentation is submitted. Having engineered plans and a survey ready early helps move things along.

Can I combine land and construction into one loan?

Yes, it’s possible through a construction-to-permanent loan, but not all lenders offer them. You’ll typically need a detailed set of building plans, a signed contract with a licensed builder, and a larger down payment—usually 20 to 25%. We’re happy to introduce clients to lenders familiar with western Wyoming projects.

Will acting as my own general contractor save money?

In theory, you might save on management fees. In practice, most owner-builders face delays, mistakes, and coordination challenges that add up. Subcontractors often prioritize licensed builders with whom they have established relationships. If you don’t have experience managing complex builds in mountain climates, hiring a pro is almost always worth it.

How does building in a four-season climate affect design?

Snow load, freeze-thaw cycles, and access during winter all affect how we design. We use heavier roof structures, deeper foundations, and four-season driveway plans to protect your investment. We also look at sun orientation and wind exposure during the early design stages to maximize performance and comfort.

Can I live on the property in an RV or small structure during construction?

Some counties allow temporary RV living during construction with a special permit, but this varies by location. In Teton County, for example, restrictions are tighter. In rural parts of Lincoln or Sublette counties, there may be more flexibility. We recommend discussing this with the local planning department before assuming it’s allowed.

What’s the difference between improved and unimproved land?

Improved land has access to utilities, a driveway, and sometimes a well or septic system. Unimproved land lacks one or more of these features and may require more work, and more permits, before it’s build-ready. The initial price may be lower, but total development costs are often higher.

How long will it take from land purchase to move-in?

For most clients, the total process takes 14 to 24 months. Preconstruction planning, site evaluation, permitting, and loan approval usually take the first 4 to 8 months. Once we break ground, most homes take 9 to 15 months to build depending on complexity, weather, and scope.