Boise: The relocation-boom poster child; value era is over. Missoula: College-town Montana; smoke season is real.
Dimension
Boise
Missoula
Median home price
$497K
$583K
Effective property tax
0.67%
0.74%
Tax friendliness
6/10
6/10
Winter mildness
4/10
2/10
Summer comfort
8/10
9/10
Walkability
6/10
6/10
Outdoor access
9/10
9/10
Culture & food
6/10
5/10
Healthcare
10/10
6/10
Airport connectivity
7/10
6/10
Schools
7/10
7/10
Safety
7/10
7/10
Hazard safety (10 = lowest risk)
10/10
6/10
Growth trajectory
9/10
8/10
Pick Boise if your priorities lean: Median home price, Effective property tax, Winter mildness, Culture & food. Pick Missoula if they lean: Summer comfort. There is no universal winner — only a winner for your weights.