Cost of Living in Burlington, VT
Population 44,649 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Younger and more credentialed than the state overall — median age 27, 33% with a bachelor's — Burlington has the labor and housing dynamics of a university town. Demand for rentals peaks sharply around fall enrollment. A poverty rate near 23% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Geographically, Burlington lies roughly 130 miles north of the nearest major metro, Albany. Median home values run roughly 79% higher than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Burlington
The median home value in Burlington is $400,200 — 31% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,609/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $68,854/year is 8% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.6%, below 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 56.6°F and lows of 38.6°F, with about 87.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Burlington has a cost of living index of 128 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% more 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 | 29 | 32 | 41 | 55 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 59 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 24 | 36 | 48 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 42 | 32 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.13 | 1.77 | 2.24 | 3.07 | 3.76 | 4.26 | 4.06 | 3.54 | 3.67 | 3.83 | 2.70 | 2.50 |
| Snow" | 21.1 | 19.3 | 17.5 | 4.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 5.7 | 19.5 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Burlington, VT?
Burlington has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Burlington, VT?
The median gross rent in Burlington is $1,609 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Burlington?
The median home value in Burlington is $400,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington is $68,854 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Burlington, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Burlington is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is Burlington, VT affordable?
Burlington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 128 — about 28% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Burlington?
Burlington has average high temperatures of 56.6°F and average lows of 38.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.5". Average annual snowfall is 87.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Burlington at a Glance
- Population
- 44,649
- Median Income
- $68,854
- Home Value
- $400,200
- Median Rent
- $1,609/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
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Vermont Rankings
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