Cost of Living in Shaftsbury, VT

Population 3,599 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023

75
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Shaftsbury 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 0.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 35 miles northeast of Albany, Shaftsbury falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% higher than Albany's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 86
Rent 60

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

About the Cost of Living in Shaftsbury

The median home value in Shaftsbury is $261,700 — 14% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $785/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,247/year is 38% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.0%, 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 57.6°F and lows of 35.8°F. Overall, Shaftsbury has a cost of living index of 75 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$261,700
14% below avg
Median Rent
$785/mo
40% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.8x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$936
1 BR
$1,069
2 BR
$1,225
3 BR
$1,709
4 BR
$1,986
Owner-occupied 89.9%
Renter-occupied 10.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$785
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,399/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
20.4 min
24% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
79.2%
Carpooled
3.4%
Walked
10.1%
Work from home
7.3%

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
$103,247
38% above avg
Per Capita Income
$49,465
Unemployment Rate
0.0%
100% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.2%
Labor Force Participation
46.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.6%
Graduate degree 22.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.7
Male median age 42.6
Female median age 49.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.6°F
Avg Low
35.8°F
Annual Precip
38.6"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323544576976817972604938
Low °F 131423344452575548382921
Precip" 2.371.942.652.493.474.054.653.863.823.612.772.90

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Shaftsbury, VT?

Shaftsbury has a cost index of 75 (100 = national average). It is 25% below the national average.

What is average rent in Shaftsbury, VT?

The median gross rent in Shaftsbury is $785 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Shaftsbury?

The median home value in Shaftsbury is $261,700 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Shaftsbury?

The median household income in Shaftsbury is $103,247 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Shaftsbury, VT?

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

Is Shaftsbury, VT affordable?

Yes, Shaftsbury is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 75 — about 25% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Shaftsbury?

Shaftsbury has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 35.8°F. Annual precipitation is 38.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Shaftsbury at a Glance

Population
3,599
Median Income
$103,247
Home Value
$261,700
Median Rent
$785/mo
Unemployment
0.0%
Avg High Temp
57.6°F
Sales Tax
6.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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