How a Chicago Designer Trades a $75k Salary for $96 Rent in Yellowstone
Zoe De La Paz, 26, left a $75,000 mechanical design job in Chicago to work as a seamstress for Xanterra Parks & Resorts in Yellowstone National Park. She pays $96/month for dormitory housing that includes utilities and Wi-Fi, and $359/month for a meal stipend. Although her hourly wage is $19.25, she reports higher life satisfaction and lower living costs. Her seasonal contract ends in late 2026, after which she plans to pursue costuming work in Los Angeles or New York City.
Key points
- De La Paz earns $19.25/hour mending uniforms for park employees.
- Her $96 monthly rent covers a shared dorm room, Wi-Fi, and utilities.
- She spends $359/month on a meal stipend for Xanterra dining halls.
- Visitors can stay in park dorms for $5/night.
- Her seasonal contract ends in late 2026.
Background
This story highlights the financial trade-offs of seasonal work in national parks. Unlike previous coverage of prediction market insider trading or Amazon Labor Day deals, this focuses on individual lifestyle choices and cost-of-living strategies in remote locations.
How outlets are covering it
CNBC provides the most detailed financial breakdown, noting De La Paz’s $11,000 emergency fund and $34,000 401(k) from her previous job. The California Post emphasizes the emotional fulfillment of the move, while Good Good Good News focuses on the creative pivot from corporate work to artistic sewing. All sources agree on the $96 rent figure and the employer, Xanterra Parks & Resorts. CNBC notes the commute from Wyoming to Montana, a detail omitted by the other outlets.
Why it matters
The story illustrates how some workers prioritize lifestyle and location over higher salaries, using low-cost employer housing to maintain savings and pursue creative careers. It also highlights the economic accessibility of national park living for concessionaire employees.
What to watch
De La Paz’s seasonal contract ends in late 2026. She is evaluating job offers in Los Angeles and New York City for costuming and tailoring work, planning to use her savings to fund the move.
- I ditched my career and moved to Yellowstone — my rent is only $96/mo New York Post
- Woman Ditches Corporate Job to Live in Yellowstone National Park, Where Her Rent Is Just $96 a Month people.com
- She pays $96 a month to live in Yellowstone National Park: 'Being here has changed my life' CNBC
- Woman Pays Just $96 a Month to Live Inside Yellowstone National Park Yahoo
- Gen-Zer quits corporate job and moves to Yellowstone, where she pays $96 a month in rent Good Good Good News
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