Region guide
Moving to the Mountain West
The Mountain West — Colorado, Utah, and Idaho — pairs outdoor access and booming job markets with four real seasons and snowy winters. Boise and Salt Lake City still offer value; the Front Range has gotten pricey. Low income taxes and dry air throughout.
Cities covered
5
States
3
Median rent
$1,560/mo
Median est. cost
$3,883/mo
Standouts in the Mountain West
Cheapest
Boise, ID
$3,637/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Boise, ID
Fit 80
Highest default Fit Score across the region.
Safest
Boise, ID
Safety 89
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Salt Lake City, UT
Jobs 88
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
Colorado Springs, CO
247 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.