Cost of Living in Northfield, VT

Population 4,165 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023

76
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Northfield is a smaller Vermont community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,417 and housing costs ($234,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. A poverty rate near 22% 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.

Northfield lies roughly 100 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 31% lower than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 77
Rent 74

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Northfield

The median home value in Northfield is $233,700 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $977/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,417/year is 32% lower 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, Northfield has a cost of living index of 76 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 24% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$233,700
23% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$212,372
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$977/mo
26% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,020
1 BR
$1,082
2 BR
$1,301
3 BR
$1,692
4 BR
$1,795
Owner-occupied 54.2%
Renter-occupied 45.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$977
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,591/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
27.8 min
3% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.4%
Carpooled
7.7%
Walked
9.6%
Work from home
10.4%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 8.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.2%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.2%
Property Tax 1.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$50,417
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,719
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Labor Force Participation
55.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.7%
Graduate degree 9.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 26.1
Male median age 23.6
Female median age 29.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
52.8°F
Avg Low
32.4°F
Annual Precip
38.7"
20° 40° 60° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 262938526573787669554331
Low °F 7918304251565446362615
Precip" 2.322.062.493.043.524.214.273.813.333.872.852.93

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Northfield, VT?

Northfield has a cost index of 76 (100 = national average). It is 24% below the national average.

What is average rent in Northfield, VT?

The median gross rent in Northfield is $977 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Northfield?

The median home value in Northfield is $233,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Northfield?

The median household income in Northfield is $50,417 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Northfield, VT?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Northfield is 6.2%. The Vermont state income tax top rate is 8.8%.

Is Northfield, VT affordable?

Yes, Northfield is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 76 — about 24% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Northfield?

Northfield 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.

Northfield at a Glance

Population
4,165
Median Income
$50,417
Home Value
$233,700
Median Rent
$977/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
52.8°F
Sales Tax
6.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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