North Dakota vs Vermont Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$82,327
in North Dakota
$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 Dakota | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 75.7 | 129.0 | -41% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 105.5 | -8% |
| Utilities | 83.2 | 113.5 | -27% |
| Transportation | 99.9 | 103.3 | -3% |
| Healthcare | 108.8 | 111.8 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 99.2 | 106.3 | -7% |
| Overall | 91.1 | 113.5 | -20% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in North Dakota.
What things actually cost
| Item | North Dakota | Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $255,000 | $370,000 | $115,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,060/mo | $1,806/mo | $746 |
| Gas price | $3.08/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.36 |
| Electric bill | $70/mo | $163/mo | $93 |
| Infant childcare | $12,373/yr | $18,836/yr | $6,463 |
Salary equivalent: North Dakota → Vermont
What a North Dakota salary buys you in Vermont, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in North Dakota | Equivalent in Vermont | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $62,294 | $-12,294 |
| $75,000 | $93,441 | $-18,441 |
| $100,000 | $124,588 | $-24,588 |
| $150,000 | $186,883 | $-36,883 |
| $200,000 | $249,177 | $-49,177 |
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 20% more expensive than North Dakota overall. Vermont has an index of 113.5 vs 91.1 for North Dakota (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in North Dakota or Vermont?
North Dakota is cheaper to live in. Vermont is 20% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $370,000 in Vermont.
Is North Dakota cheaper than Vermont?
Yes, North Dakota is 20% 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 Dakota?
Yes, Vermont is 20% more expensive than North Dakota 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 Dakota?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in North Dakota, you would need approximately $124,588 in Vermont. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (91.1 vs 113.5).
How do housing costs compare between North Dakota and Vermont?
Housing is significantly cheaper in North Dakota. Median home prices are $255,000 in North Dakota vs $370,000 in Vermont — a $115,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,060/mo vs $1,806/mo.
What costs more in North Dakota vs Vermont?
Housing is 41% lower in North Dakota (index 75.7 vs 129). Utilities is 27% lower in North Dakota (index 83.2 vs 113.5). Groceries is 8% lower in North Dakota (index 96.8 vs 105.5).
Is gas cheaper in North Dakota or Vermont?
Gas averages $3.08/gallon in North Dakota and $3.44/gallon in Vermont — a $0.36 difference per gallon.
North Dakota vs Vermont cost of living — how do they compare?
North Dakota has an overall cost-of-living index of 91.1 and Vermont has 113.5 (national average = 100). Vermont is 20% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Vermont?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. North Dakota has a progressive income tax with very low rates, topping out at 2.50%. Vermont has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 8.75% on income over $229,500. Use the North Dakota 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 Dakota and Vermont?
North Dakota 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 Dakota Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Vermont Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- North Dakota vs Vermont Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in North Dakota — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Vermont — How much house can you afford?
- North Dakota Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Vermont Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- North Dakota Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Vermont Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- North Dakota 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.