Finding a place to live that balances affordability and quality of life is high on many people’s lists. For those who love the vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, and thriving cities out West, there are several smaller cities that are still relatively affordable compared to the crazy prices in Seattle or San Francisco.
Here’s a rundown of some of the best cities in the Intermountain West that still haven’t become crazy expensive like Bozeman or Bend.
- Spokane, Washington
- Average Home Price: $383K (Zillow as of November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $84K
Spokane offers residents a well-rounded lifestyle at a fraction of the cost of other West Coast cities. The city has a robust job market in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, along with great access to outdoor activities and a relatively low cost of living. With home prices that are approximately half that of nearby Seattle, Spokane has become increasingly attractive to people looking to settle in a smaller urban setting.
Spokane has a growing restaurant scene and has a number of great hikes immediately outside of town. Check out Riverside State Park or Rocks of Sharon for some examples within 30 minutes of downtown.
- Boise, Idaho
- Average Home Price: $478K (Zillow as of November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $109K
Boise consistently ranks high on quality-of-life lists, and for good reason. Its booming tech sector, proximity to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and river sports, and a low cost of living make it a magnet for young professionals and families. Although home prices have risen over the past few years, Boise still offers great value in terms of housing and income potential compared to other cities.
13th Street and the North End are some PFB favorites for a nice stroll with a coffee. Bogus Basin is within 40 minutes of downtown for nearby skiing.
- Missoula, Montana
- Average Home Price: $554K (Zillow as of November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $89K
Missoula is known for its tight-knit community, rich history, and scenic beauty. As a college town, it has a unique mix of culture, from music festivals to art galleries (Yes, there are a lot of old hippies). It’s also an ideal destination for outdoor lovers, with ample trails and rivers. While incomes are slightly lower than in other cities, Missoula’s is still much less expensive than Bozeman even though it has similar offerings.
The city is incredibly walkable and offers easy access to the river throughout the downtown area. Additionally, the city is a common stop for major concerts on their way to play the Gorge in nearby Washington.
- Reno, Nevada
- Average Home Price: $550K (Zillow as of November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $102K
Once known primarily as a gaming destination, Reno has diversified its economy, with strong growth in technology, manufacturing, and logistics. The city is close to Lake Tahoe, which provides endless recreational opportunities, and offers a relatively high average income and moderate home prices compared to the nearby Bay Area in California. Reno’s proximity to skiing and hiking is second only to Salt Lake City.
- Fort Collins, Colorado
- Average Home Price: $557K (Zillow as of November 2024)
- Average Household Income: $105K
Fort Collins is a college town with a lively atmosphere, home to Colorado State University. The city attracts both young professionals and retirees with its job opportunities in the tech and research fields, as well as its breweries, music venues, and outdoor recreation. Fort Collins brings a strong average household income to offset the highest house prices in this group. However, the close access to the Rockies makes it a special place to start adventures from.