Cost of Living in Vermont 2026 — All 4 Cities Ranked

Vermont Cost of Living Overview

Vermont is more expensive than the national average, with an average cost index of 105 across 4 cities. The average monthly rent across Vermont cities is $1,436, with median household incomes averaging $78,876 per year. The cheapest city is Rutland (index 65) and the most expensive is South Burlington (index 124).

With a top income tax rate of 8.75%, Vermont has one of the higher tax burdens in the US. The 6.0% sales tax and 1.9% property tax rate add to the overall cost.

All 4 Cities in Vermont — Ranked by Cost

Sorted from cheapest to most expensive (US average = 100)

#	City	Cost Index	Rent	Income	Home Value	Population
1	Rutland	65	$942/mo	$55,000	$176,400	15,747
2	Essex Junction	113	$1,439/mo	$94,423	$376,800	10,720
3	Burlington	119	$1,609/mo	$68,854	$400,200	44,649
4	South Burlington	124	$1,755/mo	$97,229	$399,600	20,488

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about cost of living in Vermont

What is the cost of living in Vermont?

The average cost of living index across 4 cities in Vermont is 105 (US average = 100). Average rent is $1,436/month and median household income averages $78,876/year.

What is the cheapest city in Vermont?

The cheapest city in Vermont is Rutland with a cost index of 65, median rent of $942/month, and median income of $55,000/year.

What is the most expensive city in Vermont?

The most expensive city in Vermont is South Burlington with a cost index of 124, median rent of $1,755/month, and median income of $97,229/year.

What are taxes like in Vermont?

Vermont has a top income tax rate of 8.75%, a sales tax of 6.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.9%.

How many cities does CostToLive cover in Vermont?

We track cost of living data for 4 cities in Vermont with populations of 10,000 or more, using US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data.