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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in Vermont: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

2.0% below

Cost of living in Vermont is 2.0% below the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for Vermont (index 98.0; U.S. = 100). Median rent in Vermont is $1,319 a month.

Cost of living in Vermont by category

Overall prices

98.0U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

−2.0% vs. U.S.

Goods
97.3 −2.7%
Housing (rents)
86.5 −13.5%
Utilities
125.8 +25.8%
Other services
101.6 +1.6%

BEA 2024 · Vermont Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,319/mo

Median gross rent

−11% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,089 −16% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,509 About the same as U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$1,488 −11% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$352,800 About the same as U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$1,893 −7% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$141/mo

Average electric bill

−10% vs. U.S.

Electricity price
23.8¢/kWh +30% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$22.43/Mcf +16% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
125.8

EIA July 2026 · Vermont Details: Utilities

Transportation

23.9min

Mean travel time to work

−12% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
67.9%
Work from home
16%
Gasoline (PADD 1A avg.)
$4.31/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$309/wk

Center care, infant

Center care, toddler
$293/wk
Center care, preschool
$302/wk
Home-based care, infant
$203/wk

DOL NDCP 2021 prices · Vermont county median · no U.S. comparison (different year) Details: Child care

Income

$82,730/yr

Median household income

About the same as U.S.

Median rent as share of income
19%
Home value to income
4.3×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in Vermont

Median gross rent in Vermont is $1,319 a month, 11% below the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,250–$1,499 range, which holds 13% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 40.6% pay $1,500 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $352,800, and 4% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: Vermont vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent Vermont: $1,319; U.S.: $1,487 Vermont $1,319 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs Vermont: $1,893; U.S.: $2,035 Vermont $1,893 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value Vermont: $352,800; U.S.: $360,600 Vermont $352,800 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureVermontU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,319$1,487
Monthly owner costs$1,893$2,035
Median home value$352,800$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in Vermont

What renters pay in Vermont Share of renter households paying cash rent in Vermont by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 7.8%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 1.8%. Median $1,319. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 7.8% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 6.2% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 12.1% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 20.2% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 13% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 24% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 8.8% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 5% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 1% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 1.8% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,319 (Vermont) 24%
Show the data table
RangeVermontU.S.
Less than $5007.8%6.1%
$500–$7496.2%6.8%
$750–$99912.1%11.5%
$1,000–$1,24920.2%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49913%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99924%22.2%
$2,000–$2,4998.8%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9995%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4991%3.2%
$3,500 or more1.8%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in Vermont

Home values in Vermont Share of owner-occupied homes in Vermont by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 6.5%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 1.5%. Median $352,800. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than $100,000: 6.5% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 6% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 9% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 9.6% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 9.1% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 18.6% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 15.3% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 16.6% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 5.3% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 1.5% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $352,800 (Vermont) 18.6%
Show the data table
RangeVermontU.S.
Less than $100,0006.5%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9996%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9999%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9999.6%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9999.1%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99918.6%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99915.3%12%
$500,000–$749,99916.6%16.3%
$750,000–$999,9995.3%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9992.5%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more1.5%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in Vermont

Measure Vermont U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,319$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,089$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,509$1,490
3-bedroom rent $1,488$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $1,893$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is Vermont?

At the median, rent takes about 19% of household income in Vermont. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $52,800 a year.

The median home is worth $352,800, or 4.3 times the median household income.

Household income in Vermont

The median household in Vermont earns $82,730 a year, about the same as the U.S. median of $81,604. About 11.2% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 12.5% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: Vermont vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) Vermont: $82,730; U.S.: $81,604 Vermont $82,730 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureVermontU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$82,730$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in Vermont

Household income distribution in Vermont Share of households in Vermont by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 3.7%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 11.2%. Median $82,730. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than $10,000: 3.7% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.7% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 3.3% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 3% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 3.2% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 6.6% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 9.9% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 13.7% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 11.6% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 7.5% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 10.5% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 11.2% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $82,730 (Vermont) 13.7%
Show the data table
RangeVermontU.S.
Less than $10,0003.7%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.7%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9993.1%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9993%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9993.5%3%
$30,000–$34,9993.3%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9993.5%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9993%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9993.2%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9996.6%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9999.9%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99913.7%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99911.6%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9997.5%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99910.5%9.7%
$200,000 or more11.2%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure Vermont U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $82,730$81,604
Median home value $352,800$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, Vermont scored 98.0 for all items. The highest category is utilities at 125.8; the lowest is housing rents at 86.5.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items Vermont: 98.0; U.S.: 100.0 Vermont 98.0 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods Vermont: 97.3; U.S.: 99.6 Vermont 97.3 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) Vermont: 86.5; U.S.: 100.6 Vermont 86.5 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities Vermont: 125.8; U.S.: 98.4 Vermont 125.8 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services Vermont: 101.6; U.S.: 100.1 Vermont 101.6 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureVermontU.S.
All items98.0100.0
Goods97.399.6
Housing (rents)86.5100.6
Utilities125.898.4
Other services101.6100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in Vermont paid an average of 23.8¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $141 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $22.43 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: Vermont vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) Vermont: 23.8¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ Vermont 23.8¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) Vermont: $141; U.S.: $157 Vermont $141 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) Vermont: $22.43; U.S.: $19.40 Vermont $22.43 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureVermontU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)23.8¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$141$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$22.43$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in Vermont who commute spend an average of 23.9 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (67.9% of workers); 16% work from home. Gasoline in the New England region (PADD 1A), which includes Vermont, averaged $4.31 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate Vermont price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work Vermont: Drove alone 67.9%, Carpooled 8.1%, Public transit 1.4%, Walked 5.3%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 16%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 0.8%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in Vermont: Drove alone. Vermont Vermont · Drove alone: 67.9% 67.9% Vermont · Carpooled: 8.1% Vermont · Public transit: 1.4% Vermont · Walked: 5.3% Vermont · Bicycle: 0.5% Vermont · Worked from home: 16% 16% Vermont · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 0.8% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationVermontU.S.
Drove alone67.9%69.2%
Carpooled8.1%9.2%
Public transit1.4%3.7%
Walked5.3%2.4%
Bicycle0.5%0.5%
Worked from home16%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)0.8%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in Vermont

Travel time to work in Vermont Share of workers who do not work from home in Vermont by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 4.5%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 2%. Mean 23.9 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% Less than 5 min: 4.5% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 13% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 15.7% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 15.3% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 13.9% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 6.5% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 11.4% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 2.9% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 7% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 4.4% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 2% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 23.9 min (Vermont) 15.7%
Show the data table
RangeVermontU.S.
Less than 5 min4.5%2.8%
5–9 min13%9.4%
10–14 min15.7%13.1%
15–19 min15.3%15%
20–24 min13.9%14.1%
25–29 min6.5%7%
30–34 min11.4%13.7%
35–39 min3.5%3.4%
40–44 min2.9%4.1%
45–59 min7%8.3%
60–89 min4.4%6.3%
90 min or more2%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in Vermont

In 2021, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $309 a week in the median Vermont county, or $16,087 over 52 weeks. These are 2021 prices, the most recent year the database has for Vermont, and are not adjusted for inflation. The U.S. county median is for 2022, a different year, so no percentage comparison is shown.

Weekly child care prices

Type of care Vermont (county median), 2021 U.S. (county median), 2022
Center-based care, infant $309$174
Center-based care, toddler $293$153
Center-based care, preschool $302$144
Center-based care, school-age $224$120
Home-based family care, infant $203$143
Home-based family care, toddler $197$132
Home-based family care, preschool $198$131
Home-based family care, school-age $171$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2021 (U.S.: 2022) and are not adjusted for inflation. The U.S. comparison uses a different year, so no percentage is shown. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than Vermont prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in Vermont?

Median rent is $1,089 for a one-bedroom and $1,509 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in Vermont?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 26.1% pay less than $1,000 a month, 57.2% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 16.6% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in Vermont?

To keep the median rent of $1,319 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $52,800 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is Vermont more expensive than the U.S. average?

No. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in Vermont at 98.0 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 2.0% below average. Housing rents score 86.5.

How long is the average commute in Vermont?

23.9 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in Vermont?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $309 a week in the median Vermont county in 2021, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.