Cost of Living in Montpelier, VT
Population 8,038 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Montpelier 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. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Montpelier lies roughly 105 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Manchester — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Manchester's $336,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Montpelier
The median home value in Montpelier is $349,200 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,169/month, 11% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $79,175/year is 6% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 52.8°F and lows of 32.4°F. Overall, Montpelier has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
Montpelier has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 26 | 29 | 38 | 52 | 65 | 73 | 78 | 76 | 69 | 55 | 43 | 31 |
| Low °F | 7 | 9 | 18 | 30 | 42 | 51 | 56 | 54 | 46 | 36 | 26 | 15 |
| Precip" | 2.32 | 2.06 | 2.49 | 3.04 | 3.52 | 4.21 | 4.27 | 3.81 | 3.33 | 3.87 | 2.85 | 2.93 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Montpelier, VT?
Montpelier has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Montpelier, VT?
The median gross rent in Montpelier is $1,169 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Montpelier?
The median home value in Montpelier is $349,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Montpelier?
The median household income in Montpelier is $79,175 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Montpelier, VT?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Montpelier is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.
Is Montpelier, VT affordable?
Montpelier is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Montpelier?
Montpelier has average high temperatures of 52.8°F and average lows of 32.4°F. Annual precipitation is 38.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Montpelier at a Glance
- Population
- 8,038
- Median Income
- $79,175
- Home Value
- $349,200
- Median Rent
- $1,169/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 52.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.2%
Nearby Cities
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Vermont Rankings
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