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Cost of Living in Vermont

Is it better to rent or buy in Vermont? Explore median costs, utility estimates, and run the numbers on your own budget to see how far your income goes.

Rent vs. Buy Affordability Calculator

Adjust the sliders to match your scenario. We recommend keeping total housing costs under 40% of your gross income.

$55,956
$714/mo

Median in area: $714

$69,300

Median in area: $69,300

$13,860

If you Rent

🔑
$976 /mo
Base Rent$714
Est. Utilities$262
% of Income20.9%
Pre-tax Residual$3,687

If you Buy

🏠
$811 /mo
P&I (6.994%)$369
Taxes & Ins$180
Est. Utilities$262
% of Income17.4%
Pre-tax Residual$3,852

Cost of Living FAQs

Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Vermont?

Based on median housing data, buying is currently more affordable on a monthly basis in Vermont. The estimated all-in monthly cost for renting is $976, while owning a median-priced home with a 20% down payment is roughly $811 per month (a difference of $165).

How much do utilities cost in Vermont?

The average monthly utility cost (electricity and natural gas) for a typical home in Vermont is approximately $262. This estimate uses local utility rate schedules combined with median energy consumption profiles.

What is a good salary to live comfortably in Vermont?

To comfortably afford the median rent and utilities in Vermont without exceeding the recommended 30% housing-to-income threshold, a household should earn a gross salary of approximately $39,040 per year.