Cost of Living in Vermont
Housing costs, rent, income, and affordability for 178 cities in VT. Updated 2026.
Understanding the cost of living in Vermont is essential whether you're planning a move, comparing job offers, or evaluating real estate investments. This page breaks down housing costs, rent prices, and median household income for every city in Vermont, with comparisons to national averages.
Vermont's average home value of $237,176 is 3% below the national median of $244,900. The average median household income is $64,365, and average monthly rent is $670.
Most Affordable Cities in Vermont
Cities with population 5,000+ ranked by lowest median home value.
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Johnsbury | $171,900 | $887/mo | $49,033 | 5,945 |
| 2 | Rutland | $176,400 | $942/mo | $55,000 | 15,747 |
| 3 | Bennington | $185,100 | $1,095/mo | $53,839 | 8,888 |
| 4 | Barre | $200,100 | $986/mo | $53,288 | 8,461 |
| 5 | Brattleboro | $239,500 | $1,028/mo | $46,972 | 7,793 |
| 6 | St. Albans | $245,600 | $1,166/mo | $53,370 | 6,910 |
| 7 | Montpelier | $349,200 | $1,169/mo | $79,175 | 8,038 |
| 8 | Winooski | $350,700 | $1,635/mo | $77,020 | 8,198 |
| 9 | Essex Junction | $376,800 | $1,439/mo | $94,423 | 10,720 |
| 10 | Middlebury | $388,100 | $1,287/mo | $74,900 | 7,145 |
| 11 | South Burlington | $399,600 | $1,755/mo | $97,229 | 20,488 |
| 12 | Burlington | $400,200 | $1,609/mo | $68,854 | 44,649 |
| 13 | Shelburne | $496,700 | $1,238/mo | $106,187 | 6,292 |
Most Expensive Cities in Vermont
| # | City | Home Value | Rent | Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelburne | $496,700 | $1,238/mo | $106,187 | 6,292 |
| 2 | Burlington | $400,200 | $1,609/mo | $68,854 | 44,649 |
| 3 | South Burlington | $399,600 | $1,755/mo | $97,229 | 20,488 |
| 4 | Middlebury | $388,100 | $1,287/mo | $74,900 | 7,145 |
| 5 | Essex Junction | $376,800 | $1,439/mo | $94,423 | 10,720 |
| 6 | Winooski | $350,700 | $1,635/mo | $77,020 | 8,198 |
| 7 | Montpelier | $349,200 | $1,169/mo | $79,175 | 8,038 |
| 8 | St. Albans | $245,600 | $1,166/mo | $53,370 | 6,910 |
| 9 | Brattleboro | $239,500 | $1,028/mo | $46,972 | 7,793 |
| 10 | Barre | $200,100 | $986/mo | $53,288 | 8,461 |
Highest Income Cities in Vermont
| # | City | Median Income | Home Value | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shelburne | $106,187 | $496,700 | 6,292 |
| 2 | South Burlington | $97,229 | $399,600 | 20,488 |
| 3 | Essex Junction | $94,423 | $376,800 | 10,720 |
| 4 | Montpelier | $79,175 | $349,200 | 8,038 |
| 5 | Winooski | $77,020 | $350,700 | 8,198 |
| 6 | Middlebury | $74,900 | $388,100 | 7,145 |
| 7 | Burlington | $68,854 | $400,200 | 44,649 |
| 8 | Rutland | $55,000 | $176,400 | 15,747 |
| 9 | Bennington | $53,839 | $185,100 | 8,888 |
| 10 | St. Albans | $53,370 | $245,600 | 6,910 |
Cost of Living FAQ — Vermont
What is the average cost of living in Vermont?
The average median home value across Vermont cities is $237,176, with average rent of $670/month. The average median household income is $64,365.
What are the cheapest cities in Vermont?
The most affordable cities in Vermont by home value include St. Johnsbury ($171,900), Rutland ($176,400), Bennington ($185,100).
What is the most expensive city in Vermont?
The most expensive city in Vermont is Shelburne with a median home value of $496,700.
How does Vermont compare to the national average?
Vermont's average home value of $237,176 is below the national median of $244,900. Median rent of $670/month is below the US average of $1,163.