Vermont vs Washington Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$66,079
in Vermont
$66,430
in Washington
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 | Vermont | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 129.0 | 118.3 | +9% |
| Groceries | 105.5 | 108.0 | -2% |
| Utilities | 113.5 | 98.8 | +15% |
| Transportation | 103.3 | 124.0 | -17% |
| Healthcare | 111.8 | 110.2 | +1% |
| Dining & Misc | 106.3 | 111.2 | -4% |
| Overall | 113.5 | 112.9 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Vermont.
What things actually cost
| Item | Vermont | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $370,000 | $580,000 | $210,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,806/mo | $1,656/mo | +$150 |
| Gas price | $3.44/gal | $4.69/gal | $1.25 |
| Electric bill | $163/mo | $90/mo | +$73 |
| Infant childcare | $18,836/yr | $20,677/yr | $1,841 |
Salary equivalent: Vermont → Washington
What a Vermont salary buys you in Washington, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Vermont | Equivalent in Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,736 | +$264 |
| $75,000 | $74,604 | +$396 |
| $100,000 | $99,471 | +$529 |
| $150,000 | $149,207 | +$793 |
| $200,000 | $198,943 | +$1,057 |
Positive = your money goes further in Washington. 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 and Washington have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 113.5 and 112.9 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Vermont or Washington?
Vermont and Washington have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Washington cheaper than Vermont?
Vermont and Washington cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Vermont more expensive than Washington?
Vermont and Washington have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Washington equals $100,000 in Vermont?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Vermont, you would need approximately $99,471 in Washington. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (113.5 vs 112.9).
How do housing costs compare between Vermont and Washington?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Vermont. Median home prices are $370,000 in Vermont vs $580,000 in Washington — a $210,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,806/mo vs $1,656/mo.
What costs more in Vermont vs Washington?
Transportation is 17% lower in Vermont (index 103.3 vs 124). Utilities is 15% higher in Vermont (index 113.5 vs 98.8). Housing is 9% higher in Vermont (index 129 vs 118.3).
Is gas cheaper in Vermont or Washington?
Gas averages $3.44/gallon in Vermont and $4.69/gallon in Washington — a $1.25 difference per gallon.
Vermont vs Washington cost of living — how do they compare?
Vermont has an overall cost-of-living index of 113.5 and Washington has 112.9 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Vermont and Washington?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Vermont vs Washington paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Vermont Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Washington Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Vermont vs Washington Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Vermont — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Washington — How much house can you afford?
- 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.