North Carolina vs Vermont Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$76,609
in North Carolina
$66,079
in Vermont
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | North Carolina | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 94.0 | 129.0 | -27% |
| Groceries | 99.0 | 105.5 | -6% |
| Utilities | 94.7 | 113.5 | -17% |
| Transportation | 92.2 | 103.3 | -11% |
| Healthcare | 110.2 | 111.8 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 101.4 | 106.3 | -5% |
| Overall | 97.9 | 113.5 | -14% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Carolina.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Carolina | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $325,000 | $370,000 | $45,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,316/mo | $1,806/mo | $490 |
| Gas price | $3.29/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.15 |
| Electric bill | $103/mo | $163/mo | $60 |
| Infant childcare | $11,720/yr | $18,836/yr | $7,116 |
Salary equivalent: North Carolina → Vermont
What a North Carolina salary buys you in Vermont, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Carolina | Equivalent in Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $57,967 | $-7,967 |
| $75,000 | $86,951 | $-11,951 |
| $100,000 | $115,935 | $-15,935 |
| $150,000 | $173,902 | $-23,902 |
| $200,000 | $231,869 | $-31,869 |
Positive = your money goes further in Vermont. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Vermont is 14% more expensive than North Carolina overall. Vermont has an index of 113.5 vs 97.9 for North Carolina (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Carolina or Vermont?
North Carolina is cheaper to live in. Vermont is 14% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $370,000 in Vermont.
Is North Carolina cheaper than Vermont?
Yes, North Carolina is 14% cheaper than Vermont overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Vermont more expensive than North Carolina?
Yes, Vermont is 14% more expensive than North Carolina based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Vermont equals $100,000 in North Carolina?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Carolina, you would need approximately $115,935 in Vermont. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (97.9 vs 113.5).
How do housing costs compare between North Carolina and Vermont?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Carolina. Median home prices are $325,000 in North Carolina vs $370,000 in Vermont — a $45,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,316/mo vs $1,806/mo.
What costs more in North Carolina vs Vermont?
Housing is 27% lower in North Carolina (index 94 vs 129). Utilities is 17% lower in North Carolina (index 94.7 vs 113.5). Transportation is 11% lower in North Carolina (index 92.2 vs 103.3).
Is gas cheaper in North Carolina or Vermont?
Gas averages $3.29/gallon in North Carolina and $3.44/gallon in Vermont — a $0.15 difference per gallon.
North Carolina vs Vermont cost of living — how do they compare?
North Carolina has an overall cost-of-living index of 97.9 and Vermont has 113.5 (national average = 100). Vermont is 14% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Vermont?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. North Carolina has a flat income tax rate of 3.99% for 2026, the final step in a multi-year phase-down. Vermont has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 8.75% on income over $229,500. Use the North Carolina vs Vermont paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in North Carolina and Vermont?
North Carolina requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Vermont requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- North Carolina Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Vermont Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Carolina vs Vermont Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Carolina — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Vermont — How much house can you afford?
- North Carolina Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Vermont Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- North Carolina Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Vermont Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Carolina Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Vermont Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.