Financial Assistance

The Personal Financial Management Program at the Military & Family Readiness Center assists members and their families in determining priorities and making sound financial decisions. The center provides budgeting/checkbook management training and assistance. The center hosts monthly brown bag lunch seminars on a variety of financial issues. Financial management briefings are also provided to first duty officers and airmen.  Contact 773-5941 for more information.   

Once you've received your notice of an assignment, it's time to prepare financially for that move. A couple of options are to attend either a Smooth Move briefing or a Personal Financial Management Program briefing if these are offered through your Military and Family Readiness Center Relocation Office.

For pre-planning purposes, contact your current PFMP to develop a personalized budget prior to moving. If you are currently a two-income family, be sure to budget ahead in case your spouse does not find immediate employment in the area. PFMP is a service offered to all military members and their families.

Since most of the individuals who will be assigned here will initially be residing off base, some of the rental requirements are as follows: rental deposit, pet deposit, utility deposit, phone deposit and the first month's fee and hookup costs for cable television. Most utilities now use a credit check from Equifax Credit Service to determine if a deposit will be required.

During a permanent change of station, unexpected expenses such as car repair or a prolonged stay in temporary housing may be incurred. For assistance, contact the Air Force Aid Society officer located at the M&FRC. Call 773-5941 for more information.

The cost of living is average with the exception of housing which many newly assigned personnel find to be high. One bedroom homes currently start around $150,000, two bedrooms $175,000, three bedroom $225,000 and 4 bedrooms $250,000 and up. Keep in mind the prices quoted are averages. Cheyenne rental apartments range in cost from $350.00 for one bedroom to upward of $1200.00 or more for a three bedroom. Small two bedroom homes start at $700 per month; mid-size homes rent for $850 to $1400 per month. Larger, newer homes in nicer neighborhoods rent from $1,200 to $2,000 per month.

The cost of living is average with the exception of housing which many newly-assigned personnel find to be high. One-bedroom homes currently sell for $150,000, two-bedroom homes $175,000, three-bedroom homes $225,000 and four-bedroom homes $250,000 and up. Keep in mind the prices quoted are averages. Cheyenne rental apartments range in monthly costs from $650 for one bedroom to upward of $1400 or more for three-bedroom rentals. Small two-bedroom rental homes start at $750 per month, and midsize homes rent for $850 to $1800 per month. Larger, newer homes in nicer neighborhoods rent from $1,200 to $2,400 per month.

The base does not have mobile home facilities but there are mobile home parks in the area. If you are bringing a mobile home to Cheyenne, it is advisable to obtain a space before moving. Home parks in Cheyenne rent for $250-$300 per month.

Military transfer clause: When you do find a rental home, ask the landlord to insert a military transfer clause in the lease. This will allow you to terminate the lease early without penalty if you make a permanent change of station before the end of the lease term.

Air Force instructions require a visit to the Housing Referral Office in Building 281 upon arrival. The Housing Referral Office can also provide information about schools, the Wyoming landlord/tenant laws and a copy of the military transfer clause. The office can provide current listings of homes available for rent or sale and any current sanctions against landlords you are prevented to rent from. The Housing Referral Office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call 307-773-1840 or DSN 481-1840.

There is no state income tax for Wyoming; however, there is a 6% sales tax. You will also need to update your car insurance to reflect Wyoming state requirements. Wyoming law requires you to carry a minimum $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 per accident for property damage.

Please consult with the Financial Service Office regarding Temporary Lodging Expense, Basic Allowance for Housing rates and Advance Pay information. If at all possible, try to avoid taking Advance Pay. The huge benefit of Advance Pay is there is no interest charged but your repayment starts shortly after arrival and usually at a time when you need extra money the most. We recommend you wait until arrival at your new duty station to make the decision. If it’s the right one for you, you have up to 60 days after arrival to make the request.

Final Note: If you need emergency assistance while in transit, please contact the closest American Red Cross. Refer to the yellow pages in the local phone book for contact information. Contact 773-5941 for more information.