Region guide
Moving to the West
The West holds both the priciest coastal metros and some of the most affordable interior cities in the country, so the spread is enormous. Expect mild Pacific coasts, dry heat and wildfire-and-drought risk inland, and several states that take nothing from your paycheck — Washington and Nevada among them.
No state income tax: Alaska, Nevada, Washington — gross salaries stretch further there.
Cities covered
36
States
11
Median rent
$1,830/mo
Median est. cost
$4,214/mo
Standouts in the West
Cheapest
Albuquerque, NM
$3,459/mo
Lowest estimated monthly essentials for one person.
Best overall
Boise, ID
Fit 80
Highest default Fit Score across the region.
Safest
San Diego, CA
Safety 100
Lowest violent and property crime per capita.
Best for jobs
Salt Lake City, UT
Jobs 88
Strongest labor market (BLS unemployment + growth).
Sunniest
Phoenix, AZ
299 sunny days
Most sunny days per year.