Cost of Living in Vermont
Overall index: 113.5 — ranked #11 of 51 (above average cost).
Where your money goes in Vermont
Estimated spending breakdown on a $75,000 salary in Vermont
Estimated annual spending: $75,250($250 over budget)
What things cost in Vermont
| Item | Vermont | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $370,000 | $360,000 | +$10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,806/mo | $1,400/mo | +$406 |
| Gas (regular) | $3.44/gal | $3.50/gal | $0.06 |
| Electric bill | $163/mo | $137/mo | +$26 |
| Infant childcare | $18,836/yr | $13,500/yr | +$5,336 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.22 | $4.95 | +$0.27 |
| Monthly groceries | $433/mo | $410/mo | +$23 |
Sources: AAA gas prices, EIA electricity, Zillow ZHVI, Child Care Aware, MERIC/C2ER indices. Eggs and groceries estimated from MERIC grocery index applied to BLS averages.
Cost of living index by category
National average = 100 for each category
Salary equivalent: Vermont vs national average
What a salary in Vermont is actually worth in national-average purchasing power.
| Salary | Purchasing power | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $56,750 | +$6,750 |
| $75,000 | $85,125 | +$10,125 |
| $100,000 | $113,500 | +$13,500 |
| $125,000 | $141,875 | +$16,875 |
| $150,000 | $170,250 | +$20,250 |
| $200,000 | $227,000 | +$27,000 |
Positive difference means you need to earn more in Vermont to match national-average purchasing power.
Compare Vermont with other states
FAQ
What is the cost of living in Vermont?
Vermont has an overall cost-of-living index of 113.5, making it above average cost (ranked #11 of 51 states, where #1 is most expensive). The national average is 100. Housing is the biggest factor — median home prices are $370,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,806/month.
Is Vermont expensive to live in?
Yes, Vermont is more expensive than the national average with an overall index of 113.5 (average = 100). Housing costs are especially high at 129% of the national average.
How much does housing cost in Vermont?
The median home price in Vermont is $370,000 and average 2-bedroom rent is $1,806/month. Vermont's housing index is 129 (national average = 100), meaning housing is 29% above the national average.
How much are groceries in Vermont?
Vermont's grocery index is 105.5 (national average = 100). A dozen eggs costs approximately $5.22 and a typical monthly grocery bill for a household runs about $433, compared to the national average of $410.
What is the average electric bill in Vermont?
The average monthly electric bill in Vermont is $163 based on the state's residential rate of 18.41¢/kWh and average household consumption of 886 kWh/month (EIA 2024).
How much does childcare cost in Vermont?
Center-based infant childcare in Vermont averages $18,836/year ($1,570/month). The national average is approximately $13,500/year. This data is from Child Care Aware of America's 2024 report.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Vermont?
A $75,000 salary in Vermont has the same purchasing power as $66,079 at the national average cost of living. Because Vermont is above average in cost, you may need a higher salary to maintain the same lifestyle. Use the calculator above with your specific salary to see how it compares.
Where does this 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 Paycheck Calculator — Calculate take-home pay after Vermont taxes
- House Affordability in Vermont — How much house can you afford?
- Take-Home Pay by State — Compare Vermont take-home pay across all 50 states
- Compare Job Offers — Factor in salary, equity, and cost of living
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 indices, AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), and Zillow home values (2024-2025). Individual costs vary by city, neighborhood, and lifestyle.