Vermont
VTNortheast · 2 cities tracked · Updated 2026
Vermont is more expensive than the national average. Across the 2 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 105 (US = 100) and typical rent averages $2,141 a month, 11% above the national figure of $1,932.
State Averages
Avg Gas Price
$4.24
Regular unleaded
Avg Rent
$2,141
All units/mo
Avg COL Index
105
vs. 100 national avg
Vermont Cost of Living Analysis
Where the money goes
The biggest cost pressure in Vermont is electricity, at 29% above the national average. The biggest break is car insurance, at 36% below it.
Rent trend
Rent rose an average of 2.7% over the past year across the 2 cities we track, about in line with the 2.7% national change. Montpelier saw the biggest move (up 4.0%), while Burlington was up just 1.4%.
City to city
Where you live inside Vermont matters. Typical rent runs from $1,690 in Montpelier to $2,592 in Burlington, a gap of $902 a month or about $10,824 a year.
Affordability
Rent, gas, groceries, electricity and car insurance take about 45% of median household income in the counties we track, which ranks the 13th highest of 51 states. Median household income there averages $87,082 (Census ACS 2023). Groceries are counted at what the average household in the region spends on food at home (BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey).
Energy and driving
Regular gas costs $4.24 a gallon, 7% above the $3.98 national average. A typical electric bill runs about $215 a month versus $166 nationally, and full coverage car insurance averages $1,380 a year versus $2,150.
Groceries
Grocery prices in the Northeast rose 1.6% over the past year (BLS food at home), compared with 1.8% nationally. Item prices on our city pages are national BLS averages, so local stores may be higher or lower.
Built from the AAA, Zillow, EIA, Bankrate, BLS and Census data on this site. National comparisons use typical rent of $1,932 a month and gas of $3.98 a gallon. See the methodology.
Cities in Vermont
Median Household Income by County
Source: Census ACS 5-Year 2023 · 14 counties
| County | Median Income |
|---|---|
| 1Chittenden County | $94,310 |
| 2Grand Isle County | $90,625 |
| 3Addison County | $88,478 |
| 4Washington County | $79,853 |
| 5Franklin County | $79,078 |
| 6Orange County | $77,328 |
| 7Windsor County | $75,247 |
| 8Bennington County | $71,494 |
| 9Lamoille County | $69,897 |
| 10Windham County | $68,021 |
| 11Orleans County | $66,426 |
| 12Caledonia County | $66,075 |
| 13Rutland County | $64,778 |
| 14Essex County | $58,985 |
Vermont Cost of Living FAQ
Is Vermont expensive to live in?
Vermont is about 5% more expensive than the national average. Across the 2 cities we track, the cost of living index averages 105, where 100 is the US average.
What is the average rent in Vermont?
Typical rent in Vermont averages $2,141 a month across the 2 cities we track as of September 2026, 11% above the national typical rent of $1,932. That ranks the 8th highest of 51 states. The figure is the Zillow Observed Rent Index for all home types.
What is the cheapest city to live in Vermont?
Of the 2 cities we track in Vermont, Montpelier has the lowest cost of living index at 98. It also has the lowest typical rent we track there, at $1,690 a month.
What is the most expensive city in Vermont?
Burlington has the highest cost of living index of the cities we track in Vermont, at 112. The highest typical rent is in Burlington, at $2,592 a month.
How much is gas in Vermont?
Regular unleaded averages $4.24 a gallon in Vermont as of November 11, 2026 (AAA state average), 7% above the national average of $3.98. That is the 12th most expensive of 51 states.
Is rent going up in Vermont?
Rent in Vermont rose an average of 2.7% over the past year across the 2 cities we track, compared with a 2.7% change nationally.
How much is electricity in Vermont?
Residential electricity in Vermont averages 23.8 cents per kWh (EIA), versus 18.4 cents nationally. At 900 kWh a month, a typical bill is about $215.
How much is car insurance in Vermont?
Full coverage car insurance in Vermont averages $1,380 a year, or about $115 a month (Bankrate and NAIC), compared with $2,150 a year nationally. That is the 3rd lowest of 51 states.