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:
|
Category
|
Average Annual Per-Capita Cost in Vermont
|
|
Housing and Utilities
|
$10,195
|
|
Health Care
|
$10,438
|
|
Food and Beverages (nonrestaurant)
|
$5,107
|
|
Gas and Energy Goods
|
$1,654
|
|
All Other Personal Expenditures
|
$31,564
|
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.
|
Vermont City
|
Average Home Value
|
|
Burlington
|
$461,190
|
|
Barre
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$379,401
|
|
Rutland
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$295,729
|
|
Bennington
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$361,797
|
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.
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Utility
|
Average Vermont Bill
|
|
Electricity
|
$117
|
|
Gas
|
$89
|
|
Cable & Internet
|
$134
|
|
Water
|
$17
|
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.
|
City
|
Grocery Items Index
|
|
Manchester, NH
|
99.9
|
|
New Haven, CT
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101.0
|
|
Portland, ME
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101.5
|
|
Providence, RI
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101.9
|
|
Hartford, CT
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102.0
|
|
Boston, MA
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104.4
|
|
Stamford, CT
|
104.7
|
|
Burlington, VT
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106.2
|
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.
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Family Makeup
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Average Annual Transportation Cost
|
|
One adult, no children
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$10,602
|
|
Two working adults, no children
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$12,270
|
|
Two working adults, three children
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$19,729
|
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.
|
Type of Child Care
|
Average Cost Per Month, Per Child
|
|
Infant Classroom
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$1,742
|
|
Toddler Classroom
|
$1,508
|
|
Preschooler Classroom
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$1,038
|
|
Home-Based Family Child Care
|
$1,216
|
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.
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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:
Hartford, Connecticut
The capital of Connecticut, and its 4th largest city by population, has the lowest cost of living in New England, according to the most recent data from the CCER. This is largely due to its low housing and transportation costs vs. other New England cities. In fact, Hartford has the most affordable housing in the index when compared to other New England cities rated by the CCER.
New Haven, Connecticut
The coastal city of New Haven, Connecticut, ranks as New England’s second most affordable, per the CCER’s cost of living index. Credit goes to its housing and grocery costs, which are the second-lowest among New England metros (and in line with the national average). However, in a region where utility costs are traditionally high, New Haven’s utilities are among the priciest.
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The Green Mountain State has a little something for everyone, especially if you’re looking for a cozy destination to enjoy a beer in your flannels by a cracking fire. The cost of living in Vermont isn’t cheap, but it’s clear to see why skiers and nature lovers would call this state home.
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