Cost of Living in Waterbury, VT

Population 5,381 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023

117
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Waterbury 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.

Waterbury lies roughly 115 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 24% higher than Manchester's $336,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 137
Rent 86

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

About the Cost of Living in Waterbury

The median home value in Waterbury is $418,000 — 37% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,127/month, 14% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,022/year is 46% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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 53.8°F and lows of 31.2°F. Overall, Waterbury has a cost of living index of 117 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 17% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$418,000
37% above avg
Median Rent
$1,127/mo
14% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.9x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,075
1 BR
$1,082
2 BR
$1,419
3 BR
$1,763
4 BR
$1,977
Owner-occupied 70.3%
Renter-occupied 29.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,127
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,741/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
28.9 min
7% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
70.5%
Carpooled
4.0%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
2.6%
Work from home
22.1%

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
$109,022
46% above avg
Per Capita Income
$61,331
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
8.4%
Labor Force Participation
55.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 28.7%
Graduate degree 25.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.2
Male median age 42.8
Female median age 46.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
53.8°F
Avg Low
31.2°F
Annual Precip
35.5"
20° 40° 60° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 263039536674797770564332
Low °F 5617294050555345352514
Precip" 2.241.531.952.803.493.764.213.503.153.622.752.50

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Waterbury, VT?

Waterbury has a cost index of 117 (100 = national average). It is 17% above the national average.

What is average rent in Waterbury, VT?

The median gross rent in Waterbury is $1,127 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Waterbury?

The median home value in Waterbury is $418,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Waterbury?

The median household income in Waterbury is $109,022 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Waterbury, VT?

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

Is Waterbury, VT affordable?

Waterbury is above average in cost of living, with an index of 117 — about 17% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Waterbury?

Waterbury has average high temperatures of 53.8°F and average lows of 31.2°F. Annual precipitation is 35.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Waterbury at a Glance

Population
5,381
Median Income
$109,022
Home Value
$418,000
Median Rent
$1,127/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
53.8°F
Sales Tax
6.2%
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🗺️ County data for Vermont

Explore county-level cost of living data

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