By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

If you enjoy sunny days but also want to experience all of the seasons (no shade meant toward California), then you’ll appreciate the fact that Tennessee has about 207 sunny days a year, two more days than the national average.

The mild weather in Tennessee (the state gets about 5 inches of snow per year, compared with the U.S. average of 28 inches) is just one of the draws. The facts that the Volunteer State assesses no state income tax and has the tenth-lowest cost of living in the country are also appealing.

What is the cost of living in Tennessee? Keep reading to find out.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Tennessee

Average Cost of Living in Tennessee: $42,469 per year

If you’re planning to move to Tennessee, your monthly budget might get a nice break. Why? Tennessee is among the 10 most affordable states, at No. 10, according to MERIC data for 2024.

You could hop down to Mississippi (the fourth lowest cost of living among all 50 states and the District of Columbia), Alabama (fifth lowest), or Arkansas (sixth lowest), but Tennessee is more affordable than nearby states like Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida.

So what is the average cost of living in Tennessee? Total yearly personal consumption cost is $49,326, on average, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Here’s what you can expect to spend across major purchasing categories.

That translates to $4,111 in average monthly expenses for a Tennessean.

Housing Costs in Tennessee

Average Housing Costs in Tennessee: $1,110 to $1,932 per month

Considering that Tennessee is one of the cheapest states to live in, it comes as no surprise that the average home value is below the national average. Zillow calculated the average home value as $316,501 in March 2025.

The latest census data and other industry sources give an idea of Tennessee’s monthly housing costs:

•   Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,506

•   Median studio rent: $1,174

•   Median one-bedroom rent: $1,110

•   Median two-bedroom rent: $1,154

•   Median three-bedroom rent: $1,342

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $1,667

•   Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $1,932

•   Median gross rent: $1,214

To get a clearer picture of what the Tennessee housing market is like, these are typical home values in 20 major Tennessee cities, according to Zillow data from March 2025.

Utility Costs in Tennessee

Average Utility Costs in Tennessee: $364 per month

While not the most exciting expenses, utilities are a necessary one you’ll have to finance every month. Here’s what utilities tend to cost on a monthly basis in Tennessee.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Inspirecleanenergy.com; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Tennessee: $298 per person, per month

A major contributor to your cost of living will be your grocery spending. So how much might you spend on food if you move to Tennessee?

If Tennessee’s average annual (nonrestaurant) food cost per person is $3,576, that’s about $298 per month.

The Council for Community and Economic Research, which ranks the food costs in major American cities, indexed Tennessee cities’ grocery costs for 2024, from lowest to highest.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Tennessee: $10,319 to $19,201 per year

Going to and fro can add up, especially if you have a big family. This is a basic breakdown of how annual transportation costs can vary based on family size in Tennessee, according to 2025 data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Tennessee: $8,244 per person, per year

While the average annual per-person cost of health care in Tennessee is $8,244, according to the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis report, what you will actually spend on health care may look very different.

Health care spending is determined by location, medical needs, and coverage.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Tennessee: $899 to $1,398 or more per child, per month

No matter what state you live in, child care is often a big expense.

Tennesseans may get help with the costs through the Smart Steps program.

Want to estimate your child care budget? Here are average monthly child care costs in Tennessee, according to the most recent data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Tennessee: None

Most states and the District of Columbia charge an income tax, but Tennessee does not, according to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets report.

Other states where residents don’t have to pay a state income tax are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, Washington, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.

Miscellaneous Costs

Once you’ve tackled all of the necessary expenses, it’s time to enjoy yourself. If estimated personal expenditures are $27,506 per year, here’s what some of that fun spending might be going toward (costs are accurate as of March 2025):

•  A family-friendly day for folks who love Dolly Parton and theme parks can be spent at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge: Tickets start at $92

•  Music lovers can soak up some history at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville: Tickets start at $29.95 for adults

•  For even more music history, stop by Memphis’s Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley: Entrance and tours start at $29 and go as high as $250

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Tennessee?

We all have our own idea of what it means to live “comfortably.” Your family size, income, lifestyle, and location can all influence how accessible a comfortable style of living is.

But to give you an idea of how easy it is to live in Tennessee, U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings, which compare each state’s average cost of living and housing costs to the national averages, put Tennessee in 18th place.

Remember that MERIC views the cost of living in Tennessee even more favorably, finding the state to have the tenth-lowest cost of living in the country.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Tennessee?

If you’re eager to make a move to Tennessee but are on a budget, you’ll want to find the right spot to call home. These are the three major cities with the lowest cost of living, according to the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index for 2024.

By Jamie Cattanach

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

From the ocean crashing along the western coastline to the high desert in the east — and of course with all the wacky weirdness of Portland in between — Oregon is less of a hidden gem than it used to be.

But newcomers (or those who hope to be) may wonder how much they can expect to spend to live in the Beaver State.

We’ve gathered all the data so you can get your wallet as ready for boulder-strewn beaches and evergreen forests as you are.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Oregon?

Average Cost of Living in Oregon: $55,412 per year

Oregon may be one of the most beautiful states in the union, but unfortunately, it’s not one of the cheapest. Per MERIC’s 2024 cost of living index, Oregon is 38th.

Here’s how the individual cost categories break down, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report.

Housing Costs in Oregon

Average Housing Costs in Oregon: $1,251 to $2,080 per month

The typical home value in Oregon, per June 2024 data from Zillow, is $490,095 — whereas the average sale price of an existing home in the U.S. is $355,000, according to Zillow’s March 2025 data.

Of course, where in Oregon you live matters a great deal when it comes to the price of purchasing a home. Here’s what the breakdown looks like by city, with home values as of December 2024 from Zillow:

Which metro area you’re in will also affect rent prices (spoiler alert: Portland, as cool as it is, is also spendy). Here are the average rent figures, per U.S. Census Bureau data:

•  Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,080

•  Median studio rent: $1,251

•  Median one-bedroom rent: $1,280

•  Median two-bedroom rent: $1,490

•  Median three-bedroom rent: $1,783

•  Median four-bedroom rent: $1,990

•  Median gross rent: $1,481

Recommended: Portland Housing Market: Trends and Prices

Utility Costs in Oregon

Average Utility Costs in Oregon: $383 per month

Of course keeping a roof over your head is only one part of maintaining a household in Oregon — or anywhere else for that matter. From electricity to cable and internet, here are the average monthly utility costs in this part of the Pacific Northwest Wonderland.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Statista.com, “Average monthly residential utility costs in the United States, by state”; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Oregon: $411 per person, per month

No matter where you are, you’ve gotta fill your belly — and whether you’re into seafood or vegan fare, the eats are top-notch in Oregon.

But how much does the average person spend on groceries here?

As mentioned, the average per-capita grocery expenditure in Oregon is $4,933, the Bureau of Economic Analysis says. If you divide that by 12, it comes out to $411 per month, per person, depending on your appetites.

Again, of course, the exact figure also depends on where in the state you live. The Council for Community and Economic Research helpfully calculates the cost of living for major U.S. cities, usually ranking metro areas by the overall cost of groceries. Unfortunately, only two Oregon metro areas were studied in the latest data, which were Portland and Eugene. Portland’s grocery item index number was 107.2, and Eugene’s was 105.2, which are both fairly high numbers, though lower than Seattle’s 110.3.

To put that into perspective: According to the same data set, a half gallon of milk costs about $4.93 in the Portland area, while you can expect to pay $6.99 for a pound of ground beef.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Oregon: $9,613 to $17,888 per year

Getting around is another important cost to factor in. While major cities like Portland have public transportation resources, there are many smaller, rural communities in this wide-open Western state that rely on personal vehicles to get around. Your exact yearly transportation cost will, of course, vary based on your circumstances, but here’s some helpful data as of February 2025 from the MIT’s Living Wage Calculator based on your family size and circumstances.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Oregon: $9,155 per person, per year

Oregon is well known for its opportunities for outdoor recreation and sport — which can help people stay stronger and healthier but can also result in costly injuries.

Perhaps it makes sense, then, that the Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report estimates Oregon’s annual health care spending at $9,155, or about $763 per month, per person. Once again, your total actual costs will vary depending on your lifestyle, health, location, and family makeup.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Oregon: $964 to $1,580 or more per child, per month

Caring for children is costly just about everywhere in this country, and Oregon is no exception.

The good news is, the exact amount you’ll pay will depend greatly on what kind of child care you’re seeking — and in Oregon, home-based family child care, or nannying, is counterintuitively one of the least expensive options.

Here’s some data from CostofChildCare.org:

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Oregon: 9.90%

Oregon is well known for its progressive social agendas, at least in its major cities — so it’s no surprise that it has one of the highest income tax burdens in the United States.

Oregon’s highest marginal tax rate is 9.90%, according to the Tax Foundation’s State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2025. That’s higher than every state except New Jersey (10.75%), Hawaii (11%), and California (13.30%). Keep in mind that this figure does not include federal income tax.

Portland residents can also expect to receive a yearly bill for the Portland Arts Tax, a special fund that goes to support schoolteachers and arts-focused nonprofits in the state’s capital.

The bright side? There’s no sales tax in Oregon — even when you order things online from out of state.

Miscellaneous Costs

Enough of the pedestrian stuff. How much does it cost to have fun in Oregon?

As was touched on in the first section, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates the average per-capita personal expenditures in Oregon at $30,007 per year (what you spend after housing, food, health care, etc.). While the specifics depend on where you are and what you’re into, here’s where some of that dough might be going (costs accurate as of March 2025).

•  Entrance fee to Crater Lake National Park, home of the deepest lake in America: $30 per vehicle for a seven-day pass in the summer ($20 in winter).

•  Entry to the Portland Art Museum, the seventh-oldest in the United States: $25 per adult; children 17 and under get in free.

•  A “Voodoo dozen” at Voodoo Donut in Portland: 13 donuts in their iconic pink bakery box, $29.50.

•  Lift tickets to ski on Mount Bachelor: Starting at $99 (online) for a full-day adult pass, though it varies by day.

•  Cheese curds at the TIllamook Creamery Cafe in Tillamook: $12 for fried cheddar delights. (A self-guided tour of the creamery is free.)

Of course, in a state known for its natural beauty, there are many wonderful recreation opportunities that are free of charge — or close to it. The vast network of hiking trails around Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge are generally free to enter, though you may need to purchase a parking pass depending on where the trailhead is, and permits may be required on popular trails during the high season.

Wandering along many of Oregon’s stunning beaches is also free (not counting the seafood you’re likely to enjoy while you visit the area), and Portland is known for its many well-manicured, free-to-enter parks, including 5,200-acre Forest Park, one of the largest urban green spaces in the nation.

Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for One Person?

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Oregon?

Definitions of “comfortable” vary, so it’s impossible to say how much money you’d need to earn to feel comfortable in Oregon (or anywhere else, for that matter).

But all things considered, Oregon is a fairly spendy state by any reckoning: U.S. News and World Report Affordability Ranking, ranks it 40th, on a scale from most to least affordable. MERIC positioned it two below at 38th, which is to say: Living comfortably in Oregon will likely require a decent income, or some budgetary creativity.

Of course, you can tip the scale in your favor by choosing a city with a lower cost of living.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Oregon?

While the Council for Community and Economic Research only studied the Portland and Eugene metro areas in its latest cost of living index, good data exists on which Oregon cities have relatively low housing costs — which is, after all, one of the largest budget line items for most families.

According to 2024 data from Zillow, homes are costliest in Bend ($666,206), Portland ($541,122), and Hood River ($678,577) and least costly in the following three towns.

By Jacqueline DeMarco

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

If you’re looking to move to a state with gainful employment, look to Texas. Texas jobs are predicted to increase 1.6% in 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

From Dallas to Austin, there are plenty of great cities to grow a career in. Alongside employment opportunities, the second-largest U.S. state offers a worldwide food scene that goes way beyond barbecue.

To learn more about what it will cost you to live in the Lone Star State, keep reading for a breakdown of the Texas cost of living.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Texas?

Average Cost of Living in Texas: $52,299 per year

When it comes to expenses in this sprawling state, the 2024 data from MERIC found that Texans enjoy the 16th lowest cost of living in the country.

Other Southwestern states like Arizona (37th) and Utah (36th) have a much higher cost of living, while New Mexico is more similar to Texas as the state with the 19th lowest cost of living.

So how much does it cost to live in Texas? According to the latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average total personal consumption cost in Texas is $52,299 per year. Here’s how that breaks down.

That’s $4,358 a month, per person, on average.

Housing Costs in Texas

Average Housing Costs in Texas: $1,252 to $2,219 per month

With more than 12 million housing units, according to U.S. census data, Texas offers plenty of places to live. The big question is, how much will it cost you to find your home sweet home? Texas’ typical home value was $299,982 in December 2024, according to Zillow.

Here’s what it looks like to rent or own on a monthly basis in Texas, per the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau:

•   Median monthly mortgage cost: $2,012

•   Median studio rent: $1,252

•   Median one-bedroom rent: $1,261

•   Median two-bedroom rent: $1,396

•   Median three-bedroom rent: $1,644

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $2,129

•   Median five-bedroom (or more) rent: $2,219

•   Median gross rent: $1,413

Texas is a huge state. Let’s take a look at housing prices for just 20 cities, courtesy of Zillow data sourced in March 2025.

Utility Costs in Texas

Average Utility Costs in Texas: $408 per month

Even though they aren’t the most fun bills to pay, we all need our utilities.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Inspirecleanenergy.com; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Texas: $343.58 per person, per month

How much you spend on food depends on many things, including the state you live in. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average Texan spends $4,123 a year on nonrestaurant sustenance, or about $344 per month.

The specific area of a state that you live in can also affect grocery spending. The Council for Community and Economic Research, which ranks food costs in major American cities, compared grocery spending among some Texas cities for 2024. Below, the cities are ranked from lowest costs to highest costs.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Texas: $10,165 to $18,915 per year

You’ll need to hit the open road from time to time, and your family makeup can affect how much you need to spend to get everyone where they need to go. MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates what you can expect to spend on transportation, based on the most recent data available.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Texas: $7,411 per person, per year

Each Texan spends about $7,411 a year on health care, according to the most recent Bureau of Economic Analysis Personal Consumption Expenditures by State report.

Of course, factors like specific medical needs and coverage affect how much any one person spends on health care.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Texas: $719 to $1,258 or more per child, per month

Child care is a large but necessary expense for most parents, though there is some wiggle room depending on what kind of care you’re seeking.

State resources can help make financing child care easier. For example, the Texas Workforce Commission has a program that subsidizes child care for low-income families so parents can work or pursue an education.

These are the average child care costs you can expect to encounter in Texas, according to the latest data from CostofChildCare.org.

Taxes

State Tax Rate: None

Texas doesn’t charge any state income tax, as noted by the Tax Foundation’s 2025 overview of state individual income tax rates and brackets. Florida, Tennessee, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nevada, New Hampshire, Washington, and Alaska also don’t charge state income tax.

If you’re moving from a state with high income taxes like New Jersey (top marginal rate, 10.75%) or California (top rate, 13.3%), then Texas might look like a pretty smart move.

Miscellaneous Costs

You’ve paid for the basics, and now it’s time to have a little fun. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that every Texan spends $29,836 a year on personal expenditures.

These are a few examples of what it can cost to check out Texas pleasures (costs are as of March 2025).

•  Tickets to the Space Center Houston: $0 to $44.95, depending on age of visitor

•  Family membership to the Houston Zoo: $149 to $349, depending on pass type

•  Dinner at Fort Worth fan favorite Goldee’s Bar-BQ: $16 for a half-pound brisket

And remember the Alamo, in San Antonio. Church entry is free; you can book a tour of the complex for $10 and up.

Recommended: What Are the Average Monthly Expenses for a Single Person?

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Texas?

Only you can decide what it truly means to live comfortably by your standards, but U.S. News & World Report’s Affordability Rankings can give you a pretty good idea of how affordable a state is to live in.

Texas lands 28th on that list of 50, so it’s neither one of the hardest nor easiest places in which to live comfortably. MERIC identified Texas as the 16th most affordable state to live in. Conclusion: Depending on your lifestyle choices, Texas can be easy to live in comfortably.

You’ll want to create a budget to make sure moving to Texas works out in your bank account’s favor.

What City Has the Lowest Cost of Living in Texas?

Digging through the latest Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index yielded the three most affordable major cities in Texas.

FAQ

How much money do you need to live comfortably in Texas?

That likely depends on your lifestyle, family, and where you live. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates the expense of living in Texas to be just under $52,300 per person. But if you’re living in a bigger city, want to enjoy a few luxuries, and even save a bit, a 50/30/20 budget would call for about $65,000 or more. A budgeting app can help you stay on track.

Which city in Texas has the lowest cost of living?

Harlingen is a low-cost standout in the Lone Star State, with a cost of living 7% lower than the national average. But Amarillo, Abilene, and Nacogdoches are also budget-friendly. From housing to groceries and utilities, these cities can help you stretch your dollar.

What is the average house cost in Texas?

The average home value is $299,787, according to Zillow’s figures for March 2025. But prices vary widely. The table above showing average home values in 20 cities shows how big a difference location can make.

Photo credit: iStock/dszc

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SOHL-Q125-135

By Kenny Zhu

(Last Updated – 03/2025)

Vermont is a beautiful lush green state with over 4.5 million acres of pristine, undisturbed forestland. There are only four cities in the state with over 10,000 people, as most of Vermont’s population is spread out across its sparsely populated farms and woodlands.

Vermont also has the second-lowest population in the U.S. with just about 648,500 residents; only Wyoming has a lower population. If you despise bumper-to-bumper traffic or are just looking for a scenic remote location to get away, Vermont could be the perfect state for you.

The fact that Vermont isn’t the most expensive state for its region makes it an attractive draw to those who live in neighboring states, especially nearby folks living in high-cost Massachusetts and New York. However, if you’re thinking of moving up to Vermont, you’ll want to keep an eye on those taxes and utility costs (heating a home in the deep New England winter isn’t cheap).

Let’s take a deep dive into the cost of living in Vermont.

What’s the Average Cost of Living in Vermont?

Average Cost of Living in Vermont: $58,958 per year

According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the average cost of living in Vermont for a typical individual is around $58,958 per year.

Vermont has an above-average cost of living when compared to the rest of the United States, but this is normal in New England, as the region ranks above the rest of the nation in terms of expenses.

Vermont was the second most expensive New England state to live in, beating out only Massachusetts, in addition to its western neighbor of New York, which just so happens to be one of the most expensive states in the country.

When ranking states from lowest cost of living to highest in 2024, MERIC placed Vermont 44th, largely due to the above-average cost of housing and utilities in the Green Mountain State. In the New England region, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New Hampshire ranked slightly cheaper, at 39th through 42nd, respectively.

How does this look in terms of your everyday costs? The latest data from the BEA breaks down the typical per capita personal consumption expenses on an annual level:

Housing Costs in Vermont

Average Housing Costs in Vermont: $1,025 to $1,877 per month

The typical home in Vermont cost $385,992 at the end of December 2024, which is higher than the $355,328 average home value for the United States, according to Zillow. Vermont boasts a supply of 341,375 houses according to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Here are the median mortgage and rental costs for residents in Vermont:

•   Median monthly mortgage cost: $1,877

•   Median studio rent: $1,025

•   Median one-bedroom rent: $1,026

•   Median two-bedroom rent: $1,337

•   Median three-bedroom rent: $1,484

•   Median four-bedroom rent: $1,426

•   Median gross rent: $1,202

Given the sprawling nature of the state, there are wide discrepancies in home values across various communities. Expect to pay more for choice properties near Burlington relative to smaller towns like Bennington or Rutland.

Utility Costs in Vermont

Average Utility Costs in Vermont: $357 per month

Real Vermonters own multiple flannel shirts, and it’s no surprise why. When compared to the rest of the nation, Vermont’s deep winters and muddy spring seasons are part of the reason why it has above-average utility costs. Utility costs take up a large part of Vermont’s cost of living, and prospective homebuyers should be wary.

While gas heating costs run an average of $89 per month, in the winter peak seasons that figure can easily multiply. It’s no wonder why many Vermont households have resorted to heating their homes with firewood; it’s one of the most popular heating fuels in the state!

Despite the high utility costs, conservationists will be proud to learn that Vermont leads the nation in renewable energy production, as it generated almost 100% of the electricity output from renewable resources in the year 2023. This includes wind, solar, hydroelectric, and biomass, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

It doesn’t stop there, however, as the state pledged to achieve at least 90% of its energy usage from renewable resources by the year 2050. So even if the bill is a little high, you can feel good about where the energy came from.

Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price; Inspirecleanenergy.com; DoxoInsights, U.S. Cable & Internet Market Size and Household Spending Report; and Rentcafe.com, What Is the Average Water Bill?

Groceries & Food

Average Grocery & Food Costs in Vermont: $425.58 per person, per month

The average individual will spend around $425 per month on food and groceries, or $5,107 per year, according to the BEA. This is slightly above average for the New England region, which already has some of the highest food costs in the nation.

Out of all 6 New England states, Vermonters pay on the higher end for food and groceries. In fact, Vermont has some of the highest food and beverage costs in the nation.

Of course, food costs can vary widely depending on where you live. Burlington, Vermont’s biggest city, was at the high end for grocery costs when compared to other major New England cities.

The Council for Community and Economic Research ranks food expenses for major metropolitan areas within the United States. We’ve displayed the comparative level of grocery prices for some New England cities in the table below.

Transportation

Average Transportation Costs in Vermont: $10,602 to $19,729 per year

Vermonters drive fast, and true Vermonters know that the distance between towns isn’t measured in miles, it’s measured in hours. So it’s probably a good thing that Vermont’s transportation costs aren’t expensive. In fact, U.S. News named Vermont as the 3rd cheapest state in the country when it comes to auto insurance.

With the state’s low population and spread-out communities, bumper-to-bumper traffic in Vermont is almost unheard of. What qualifies as rush-hour traffic in Vermont might compare to a leisurely weekend cruise in major cities like New York. The reduced hours spent waiting in traffic go a long way toward cutting transportation costs.

Here’s a breakdown of the average annual transportation costs by family size, according to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator.

Health Care

Average Health Care Costs in Vermont: $10,438 per person, per year

The average Vermonter pays around $10,438 per year for health care, according to the BEA’s latest personal consumption expenditures report. This makes up a significant part of Vermont’s cost of living for its large population of citizens over the age of 50.

Vermont’s average health care costs fall on the higher end of the scale when compared to the rest of the nation, but they’re around average when compared to its peers in the New England region. Only its neighbor Massachusetts has higher average health care costs.

As a whole, the New England region collectively has the highest health care costs of any geography in the United States. Residents of Vermont who want to save on health care expenses can shop for and compare health insurance providers through Vermont’s state-sponsored exchange, Vermont Health Connect.

Child Care

Average Child Care Costs in Vermont: $1,038 to $1,742 or more per child, per month

Child care is an expense that cannot be avoided for families, although the average costs may vary depending on the type of care you seek. In Vermont, home-based family child care is actually less expensive than classroom-based child care for both infants and toddlers, according to costs cited by CostofChildCare.org.

Generally, child care costs that make up 7% or less of a household’s income are defined as “affordable” by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). However, this metric may still be difficult for some families to achieve.

For struggling parents in need, Vermont’s Agency for Human Services offers help for struggling parents through its Child Care Financial Assistance Program in the form of subsidies and financial assistance.

Taxes

Highest Marginal Tax Rate in Vermont: 8.75%

The state of Vermont uses a graduated income tax system which caps out at 8.75% for the highest income bracket. This is the 8th highest rate in the nation when it comes to income taxes.

Vermont was also ranked as having the 4th highest tax burden according to the Tax Foundation, with an effective tax rate of 13.6%. Keep in mind that “tax burden” measures all taxes reported through the U.S. Census Bureau, including but not limited to property, excise, estate, and income taxes.

When compared to its New England neighbors, Vermont was second only to Connecticut, which came in with a higher tax burden at 15.4%. The only other New England state in the top 10 was Maine, with a tax burden of 12.4%. New York, Vermont’s western neighbor, happens to have the highest effective tax burden in the country: 15.9%.

Miscellaneous Costs

In addition to the mundane everyday costs, let’s take a look at how much some of the Green Mountain State’s best-known attractions cost:

•  8-oz. bar Cabot Creamery Vermont Sharp cheddar cheese: $4.99

•  1 gallon jug of Vermont maple syrup: $33.10

•  Unlimited adult season pass to Mt. Killington (Winter): $1,089 – $1,779

•  Pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream: $6.99

•  Public brewery tour in Burlington: $99 per person

•  Men’s classic flannel shirt from the Vermont Flannel Company: $88.80

Whether you’re coming to town for some sightseeing or you’re looking to hit the slopes at one of its 25 ski resorts, Vermont has something for everyone.

When it comes to cheese and syrup, real Vermonters know how to tell home-grown Vermont cheddar and maple from Velveeta and Aunt Jemima. No state does farm-to-table better than this one, as Vermont is known for its ubiquitous dairy farms and farmers’ markets.

The world-famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream company also calls Vermont home. If you’re visiting, try dropping by at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury, or check out any of their 40+ flavors of ice cream at one of their locations in Vermont.

Finally, Vermont is a beer aficionado’s paradise. Experts attest that its climate is ideal for beer-brewing and cider-making. This is evidenced by the presence of 74 craft breweries across the state, according to the Vermont Brewers Association. Vermont competes neck and neck with nearby Maine for the honor of having the most breweries per capita in the nation, having held the title several times in recent years.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Vermont?

MIT’s Living Wage Calculator notes that a single, childless person working 40 hours per week, for 52 weeks per year, would need to make at least $23.95 per hour, or $49,816 per year, to earn a “living wage.” However, the exact amount needed to live “comfortably” depends on your own unique tastes and habits.

Vermont ranks 31st in the U.S. News & World Report affordability rankings, which compares the median household income in a given state vs. the U.S. median. While this may sound expensive for the average American, Vermont still ranks ahead of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts on the affordability chart for the New England region.

As a whole, New England does poorly on affordability, and Vermont’s rankings are fairly typical for its area. MERIC’s cost of living data series arrives at a similar conclusion, ranking Vermont 44th, which is slightly more expensive than New Hampshire but a good bit more affordable than Massachusetts.

What Cities Have the Lowest Cost of Living in New England?

To help you compare the cost of living in Vermont with its neighbors, we’ve collected data for major cities in the New England region from the Council for Community and Economic Research (CCER). The CCER tracks the cost of living in major metropolitan areas across the United States. We’ve included their results for the New England area below: