Cost of Living in Vermont, 2023

Vermont is called the Green Mountain State nickname for its majestic green mountains and natural forested beauty. With scenic hiking trails in the warmer months, the lush mountains turn into destination-worthy ski trails come winter.

Known for a wide range of goods, including maple syrup and cheddar cheese, Vermont is also the home of the famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that U.S. News ranks Vermont #11 in Overall Rankings as the best state to live in.

However, before you pack your things and head east to Vermont, check out this apartment guide for some quick pointers. You’ll also want to do your homework to get a better idea of Vermont’s cost of living. At Apartment List, we make it easy for you. Here you can take a closer look at the cost of living in Vermont to understand better what type of budget you’ll be needing.

Vermont Housing Costs

One of the first things you’ll need to do before you move is build a budget. Since housing costs tend to be the most significant chunk of living expenses, this is an excellent place to start. Regardless of whether you plan on paying rent or mortgage payments each month, you can safely assume that housing costs will be the most significant portion of your monthly expenses.

Despite its beauty, the Vermont rental market is relatively cheaper than the national average. Here is a list of average rent prices in five of the most popular Vermont cities, including Burlington, South Burlington, Essex Junction, and Bennington.

Year over year, rental prices in Vermont have not significantly changed. In Burlington, the most popular city, one-bedroom apartments have only slightly increased by $100, while two-bedroom apartments are nearly the same.

You might want to consider renting with a roommate if you are concerned about housing costs. For example, if you rent in Burlington and split the costs of renting a two-bedroom apartment, you can just spend $950 per month and split utilities.

Vermont Transportation

Vermont’s public transportation governing agency is the Vermont Public Transportation Association (VPTA). In addition to the interstate bus system, Vermont also has a once-a-day Vermonter rail offered by Amtrak.

Although decent public transportation is available, we still recommend having your vehicle. According to the MIT Living Wage Calculator, average annual transportation costs come out to about $4,470 for a single individual. Larger families with two working parents and two children can anticipate paying around $12,675 in annual transportation costs.

Since you will likely have to rely on a vehicle of your own, it's nice knowing that Vermont gas prices are relatively cheap. Today, gas prices are around $3.78 in Burlington which is currently the average price for a gallon of gas in the United States.

Vermont Food Costs

The average single Vermont resident spends around $4,599, roughly $383.25 per month on food costs. For a four-person family with two working adults and two children, these costs nearly triple to $13,429 annually or approximately $1,119.08 per month. While these figures are relatively low, don’t forget that they are associated with food purchased at the local Shaw’s, Walmart, or Price Chopper and prepared in the home.

If you aren’t much of a cook or plan to enjoy the occasional meal out, you’ll want to consider additional expenses regarding food costs and your budget.

With many farms across the state, Vermont is somewhat of a leader in the farm-to-table concept. When living in Vermont, you can look forward to enjoying some of the freshest dairy, fruits, and other farm offerings. After all, Vermont is home to over 150 different apple varieties.

When it comes to eating out in Vermont, a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant runs $80 in Burlington.

Vermont Healthcare Costs

Another cost that you do not want to overlook is maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Having proper healthcare ensures you get the appropriate treatment should unexpected emergencies arise. A single adult without children can anticipate paying around $3,262 for medical care in a single year. A family of four with two working adults and two children can expect to pay $8,852.

The federal healthcare marketplace can give you a better idea of what coverage options are available in Vermont. When moving out of state, you might experience some complications in your insurance coverage, so don’t forget to report your move to see if you qualify for out-of-state coverage.

You might be able to maintain coverage through your parents’ providers if you are under the age of 26. Contact your parent’s provider to see if your new Vermont hometown has doctors that fall within their network.

Vermont Utilities

Vermont has brutal winters and varying summers, with high humidity and temperatures getting up to the 90s. Therefore, you will likely be heavily dependent on heating and cooling throughout the year. With such a wide temperature range, the average utility bills in Vermont are monthly costs that you should include in your budget.

The average cost of monthly utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage for a 915 square-foot apartment, is broken down by the major cities in Vermont, at $170.41 in Burlington. Additionally, the average monthly cost of internet of 60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, or cable/ADSL is $174.68 in Burlington and $250 in Rutland.

Learn more about the estimated utility costs per city!

Beyond monthly utilities, consider other necessities like your cell phone. The average monthly payment for Americans is currently $127.37. When you move to Vermont, you can try bundling your cell phone with your internet provider or ask about new customer discounts.

Vermont Fitness and Entertainment

With all of the beauty Vermont has to offer, it’s no surprise there are plenty of fitness and entertainment opportunities for the outdoorsy type. However, if you prefer an indoor setting, which might be inevitable during winter, keep the costs in mind.

Fitness

Vermont can have some brutal winters. The majority of the state averages eight feet of snow each winter, which means that you’ll have to move indoors for a few months of the year, even for the outdoorsy folk. In Burlington a gym membership runs $76 per month.

In the warmer months, you can save some extra cash by enjoying some of the outdoor fitness opportunities, including scenic routes, hikes, and trails for you to explore. A couple of favorites include Camel’s Hump Trail, Burlington Bike Path, and the Stowe Recreation Path.

In addition to these outdoor enjoyments, Vermont also offers numerous national and state parks.

National and State Parks

Vermont is home to one national park, which charges a minimal entry fee of $8. You can also enjoy two different national scenic trails that run through Vermont that are free of charge:

• Appalachian National Scenic Trail
• Marsh - Billings - Rockefeller National Park
• North Country National Scenic Trail

In addition to these nationally recognized locations, Vermont also has 21 state parks. Entrance fees range from $3 to $4 per person, and some of the most popular state parks include:

• Button Bay State Park
• Camp Plymouth State Park
• Half Moon Pond State Park
• Kingsland Bay State Park
• Mt. Philo State Park

Or, if you’re interested, you can head indoors and catch the latest movie. Expect to pay $11 in Burlington per movie ticket. Other exciting indoor activities in Vermont include checking out the Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory or shopping around Manchester outlets or Church Street Marketplace.

Other Expenses to Consider in Vermont

One major downside to living in Vermont is its progressive income tax rate, which is one of the highest in the nation. Additionally, the state charges a sales tax of 6%, allowing some cities to charge an additional 1% on top of that. If you’re looking to purchase a home, you’ll have to deal with some of the highest property taxes in the country.

Thankfully, despite the high property taxes, other costs balance out, leaving the Vermont cost of living lower than the national average. Regardless, if you plan to move from out of state, you’ll have to consider additional expenses. Keep in mind the costs of movers, storage, hotels, and transportation.

Decorating your home might also be something you need to consider in your budget. Find different ways to decorate your apartment on a budget, and make sure to keep track of all of these additional expenses.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Vermont?

Determining a recommended salary for living in Vermont is highly dependent on the lifestyle you plan on living. Generally speaking, the cost of living in Vermont is relatively low, making the living wage in Vermont $16.82 per hour for a single adult. This is the basic wage needed to pay for housing, food, and necessities.

The average salary index in Vermont is $59,886 per year, roughly $28.79 per hour. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median household income in Vermont is $67,674.

While the average salary index can be helpful, you might want to consider the 30% rule when determining your recommended salary, which says you should not spend more than one-third of your gross income on rent.

For example, if you plan to rent in Burlington, where the starting rent for a one-bedroom is $1,600, according to the 30% rule, your monthly wages should be at least three times this amount. Therefore, your income should equal at least $5,333.33 per month or $64,000 annually.

Final Thoughts

Between Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, sweet maple syrup, and some of the best cheddar cheese in the country, it’s hard to find reasons not to want to live inVermont. Add that into the mix with some of the most scenic views the east coast has to offer, and you’ve got yourself a prime time location.

If you are looking to move somewhere where you can fully enjoy picturesque mountain views, Vermont might be the place for you. Register with Apartment List today and start browsing hundreds of available apartments available for rent in Vermont!

FAQs: Cost of Living in Vermont in 2023:

How expensive is an apartment in Vermont?

Vermont apartments vary depending on which city you live in. A one bedroom apartment in Burlington starts at $1,600. A one bedroom in South Burlington costs around $1,600. A one bedroom apartment in Essex Junction, VT also costs around $1,600. A one bedroom apartment in Bennington, VT costs $950.

What is the cheapest rent in Vermont?

Currently, the cheapest rent in Vermont is for a one-bedroom apartment in Bennington. You can expect to pay around $950 in rent.

How expensive is it to live in Vermont?

You’ll spend $950 on a one bedroom apartment in Vermont when you live in Bennington. If you live in Burlington, you’ll pay around 1,600. You'll spend $4,470 in Vermont as a single adult on transportation and $13,429 for a family of four. Food in Vermont for a single adult is $4,559 and $13,429 for a family of four.

How far is Vermont from New York?

Vermont to New York is 340 miles via I-91 N. It takes about five hours and forth-three minutes drive between Vermont and New York. Train service is also available between Vermont and New York.

What is the population of Vermont?​​

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Vermont was 647,972 in 2022.

What is a good salary in Vermont?

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average salary for Vermont residents is $67,674 However, to stick to the rule of spending only 30% of your monthly income on rent, you need an average income of $64,000 to live comfortably in a one bedroom apartment in Burlington, South Burlington, and Essex Junction. In Bennington, you should earn at least $38,000 to afford a one bedroom apartment.