Cost of Living in Brattleboro, VT
Population 12,152 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Brattleboro's median household income of $47,559 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (19% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.9% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Brattleboro is about 50 miles north of Springfield, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 14% higher than Springfield's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Brattleboro
The median home value in Brattleboro is $254,100 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,021/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,559/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, above the national average of 4.8%. Vermont's top state income tax rate is 8.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.2%. The climate averages highs of 56.5°F and lows of 34.6°F. Overall, Brattleboro has a cost of living index of 81 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 30 | 33 | 42 | 56 | 68 | 76 | 81 | 80 | 72 | 59 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 11 | 13 | 21 | 32 | 43 | 52 | 57 | 55 | 48 | 37 | 28 | 18 |
| Precip" | 2.80 | 2.23 | 2.98 | 3.35 | 3.49 | 3.78 | 3.86 | 3.56 | 3.61 | 4.16 | 3.34 | 3.17 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Brattleboro, VT?
Brattleboro has a cost index of 81 (100 = national average). It is 19% below the national average.
What is average rent in Brattleboro, VT?
The median gross rent in Brattleboro is $1,021 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Brattleboro?
The median home value in Brattleboro is $254,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Brattleboro?
The median household income in Brattleboro is $47,559 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Brattleboro, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Brattleboro is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is Brattleboro, VT affordable?
Yes, Brattleboro is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 81 — about 19% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Brattleboro?
Brattleboro has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 34.6°F. Annual precipitation is 40.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Brattleboro at a Glance
- Population
- 12,152
- Median Income
- $47,559
- Home Value
- $254,100
- Median Rent
- $1,021/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
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Vermont Rankings
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