Cost of Living in Essex, VT
Population 11,486 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Essex 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.3% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Essex lies roughly 135 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Manchester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 25% higher than Manchester's $336,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Essex
The median home value in Essex is $422,000 — 38% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,488/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $98,864/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Essex 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 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Essex, VT?
Essex has a cost index of 128 (100 = national average). It is 28% above the national average.
What is average rent in Essex, VT?
The median gross rent in Essex is $1,488 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Essex?
The median home value in Essex is $422,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Essex?
The median household income in Essex is $98,864 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Essex, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Essex is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is Essex, VT affordable?
Essex 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 Essex?
Essex 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.
Essex at a Glance
- Population
- 11,486
- Median Income
- $98,864
- Home Value
- $422,000
- Median Rent
- $1,488/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
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Vermont Rankings
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