Cost of Living in Williston, VT

Population 10,098 · Vermont · Data vintage 2023

139
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Williston a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $436,000. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Located 125 miles north of Albany, Williston is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 95% higher than Albany's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 143
Rent 134

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

About the Cost of Living in Williston

The median home value in Williston is $435,800 — 43% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,764/month, 34% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $105,490/year is 41% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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, Williston has a cost of living index of 139 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$435,800
43% above avg
Median Rent
$1,764/mo
34% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.6x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,380
1 BR
$1,476
2 BR
$1,936
3 BR
$2,491
4 BR
$2,567
Owner-occupied 75.1%
Renter-occupied 24.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,764
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,378/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
21.0 min
22% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.3%
Carpooled
7.4%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
22.4%

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
$105,490
41% above avg
Per Capita Income
$59,676
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
64% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.6%
Labor Force Participation
58.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.6%
Graduate degree 25.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 45.1
Male median age 44.5
Female median age 45.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.6°F
Avg Low
38.6°F
Annual Precip
37.5"
Annual Snowfall
87.5"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 293241556978828173594635
Low °F 131424364857626153423221
Precip" 2.131.772.243.073.764.264.063.543.673.832.702.50
Snow" 21.119.317.54.10.00.00.00.00.00.35.719.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Williston, VT?

Williston has a cost index of 139 (100 = national average). It is 39% above the national average.

What is average rent in Williston, VT?

The median gross rent in Williston is $1,764 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Williston?

The median home value in Williston is $435,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Williston?

The median household income in Williston is $105,490 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Williston, VT?

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

Is Williston, VT affordable?

Williston is above average in cost of living, with an index of 139 — about 39% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Williston?

Williston 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.

Williston at a Glance

Population
10,098
Median Income
$105,490
Home Value
$435,800
Median Rent
$1,764/mo
Unemployment
1.7%
Avg High Temp
56.6°F
Sales Tax
6.2%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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