Cost of Living in Vermont
Updated November 2026 · population 647,106
Vermont prices are 2.0% below the US average (index 98.0), ranking 23rd most expensive of 51 states and DC; housing is the biggest saving at 86.5, and a single adult's modelled budget at state-average prices is about $2,619 a month.
Prices by category
Vermont price index by category, US average = 100: All items 98.0, Housing (rents) 86.5, Goods 97.3, Utilities 125.8, Other services 101.6
| Area | All items |
|---|---|
| Vermont (whole state) | 98.0 |
| Metropolitan areas of Vermont | 100.9 |
| Nonmetropolitan areas of Vermont | 96.3 |
Cities in Vermont
Select a column heading to sort.
| Burlington | 44,675 | 101.4 | $3,038 | $6,076 | $1,649 | $444,800 |
Metro areas in Vermont
| Metro area | All items | Housing |
|---|---|---|
| Burlington-South Burlington, VT | 100.9 | 103.8 |
BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for metropolitan statistical areas that include part of Vermont.
Modelled monthly budget at Vermont average prices
1 adult · 1-bedroom · modelled estimate for Vermont (state average)
| Category | Per month | Per year | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $908 | $10,896 | 35% |
| Utilities | $296 | $3,552 | 11% |
| Food at home | $274 | $3,288 | 10% |
| Transportation | $619 | $7,428 | 24% |
| Health care | $357 | $4,284 | 14% |
| Clothing, personal care & supplies | $165 | $1,980 | 6% |
| Total | $2,619 | $31,428 | 100% |
2 adults · 2-bedroom · modelled estimate for Vermont (state average)
| Category | Per month | Per year | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,234 | $14,808 | 28% |
| Utilities | $475 | $5,700 | 11% |
| Food at home | $507 | $6,084 | 11% |
| Transportation | $1,225 | $14,700 | 28% |
| Health care | $662 | $7,944 | 15% |
| Clothing, personal care & supplies | $324 | $3,888 | 7% |
| Total | $4,427 | $53,124 | 100% |
2 adults + 2 children · 3-bedroom · modelled estimate for Vermont (state average)
| Category | Per month | Per year | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent) | $1,320 | $15,840 | 25% |
| Utilities | $578 | $6,936 | 11% |
| Food at home | $722 | $8,664 | 14% |
| Transportation | $1,629 | $19,548 | 31% |
| Health care | $617 | $7,404 | 12% |
| Clothing, personal care & supplies | $418 | $5,016 | 8% |
| Total | $5,284 | $63,408 | 100% |
state figures Rents are Census ACS state medians by bedrooms. See the methodology.
Electricity and gas and inflation
Residential electricity
23.84¢/kWh, August 2026
12-month change +7.9% · US 18.16¢
Regular gasoline regional figure: New England (PADD 1A)
$4.14/gal, week of 2026-11-02
12-month change +41.4% · US $4.15
Consumer prices in the Northeast region rose +4.2% over the 12 months to September 2026 (US +3.7%; BLS CPI-U).
Price level history
| Year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 99.6 | 102.1 | 98.7 | 101.0 | 97.1 | 98.0 |
Change over the period: −1.6 points. Each year is measured relative to that year's US average.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vermont an expensive state to live in?
Vermont has a cost of living index of 98.0 (US = 100), 2.0% below the US average. It ranks 23rd of 51 (1 = most expensive). Housing is 86.5 (rank 26), goods 97.3, utilities 125.8 and other services 101.6. Source: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024.
How much does it cost to live in Vermont?
At Vermont state-average prices, our modelled monthly budget is $2,619 for a single adult, $4,427 for a couple and $5,284 for a family of four, before taxes and child care. Costs vary widely within the state: metro areas average 100.9 and nonmetro areas 96.3.
What is the median rent and home value in Vermont?
The median gross rent in Vermont is $1,234 a month and the median home value is $316,600 (Census ACS 2020-2024). The typical renter spends 29.4% of income on rent.
Sources
- BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 (state, state metro and nonmetro portions, MSAs).
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year 2020-2024, state 50.
- EIA-861M residential electricity (August 2026); EIA weekly retail gasoline (New England (PADD 1A), 2026-11-02).
- BLS CPI-U, Northeast region (September 2026).
Budgets are modelled estimates, not observed spending. Not financial advice. Methodology