Cost of Living in Colchester, VT
Population 17,570 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Colchester sits on the smaller end of the Vermont city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 135 miles north of Albany, Colchester is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 61% higher than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Colchester
The median home value in Colchester is $358,200 — 17% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,323/month, 1% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,708/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.1%, 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 56.6°F and lows of 38.6°F, with about 87.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Colchester has a cost of living index of 111 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 11% 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Colchester, VT?
Colchester has a cost index of 111 (100 = national average). It is 11% above the national average.
What is average rent in Colchester, VT?
The median gross rent in Colchester is $1,323 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Colchester?
The median home value in Colchester is $358,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Colchester?
The median household income in Colchester is $97,708 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Colchester, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Colchester is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is Colchester, VT affordable?
Colchester is above average in cost of living, with an index of 111 — about 11% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Colchester?
Colchester 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.
Colchester at a Glance
- Population
- 17,570
- Median Income
- $97,708
- Home Value
- $358,200
- Median Rent
- $1,323/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
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