Vermont Cost of Living Calculator 2026

Compare cost of living in Vermont to other US states and cities. See equivalent salary needed when relocating.

By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated October 19, 2026 · Methodology

$

Equivalent Salary Needed

$101,801.80

Difference

+$1,801.80

Cost Difference

+1.80%

Cost of Living Comparison

Austin, TX Index111
Burlington, VT Index113
National Average100
Your Current Salary$100,000.00
Equivalent in Burlington, VT$101,801.80
You would need more$1,801.80

Breakdown by Category (Annual)

Housing+9.17%
Current (Austin, TX)$40,000.00
Target (Burlington, VT)$43,666.67
Food & Groceries+9.00%
Current (Austin, TX)$15,000.00
Target (Burlington, VT)$16,350.00
Transportation-10.00%
Current (Austin, TX)$15,000.00
Target (Burlington, VT)$13,500.00
Healthcare+14.29%
Current (Austin, TX)$10,000.00
Target (Burlington, VT)$11,428.57

Cost of living indices are approximate and based on aggregate data. Individual expenses may vary significantly. Housing costs tend to have the largest impact when moving between cities.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

Vermont Cost of Living Overview

Understanding the cost of living in Vermont means looking at taxes, housing, and everyday expenses together. Vermont levies a progressive income tax, which directly impacts take-home pay. The average property tax rate is 1.40%, and the state sales tax rate is 6.00%.

A Vermont household budget is shaped less by what you pay at the register and more by property tax, income tax, and housing. The 6% sales tax is moderate and spares groceries, clothing, and prescriptions, so routine shopping is taxed lightly. The heavier pressures come from the graduated income tax that tops out at 8.75% and a property tax burden averaging roughly 1.40% of home value, one of the highest in the nation, which flows straight into ownership costs and into the rents landlords pass through.

Weighing two offers between Vermont towns, or against another state, means looking past the salary line. A bigger gross in a town with a steep property bill and pricier housing can leave less spendable income than a smaller paycheck somewhere cheaper. The workable approach is to net out the major items, federal and Vermont income tax, the 6% sales tax on the goods you actually buy, and the local property tax or rent, then compare what's left after housing in each place rather than the headline pay.

Vermont Cost Snapshot (2026)

Avg. Property Tax Rate 1.40%
State Sales Tax Rate 6.00%
Minimum Wage $14.42/hr
State Income Tax Progressive (up to 8.75%)
State Disability Insurance (SDI) No
Estate / Inheritance Tax Yes
Local/City Taxes Municipalities may levy a 1% local option sales tax on top of the 6% state rate (7% total).

City indexes (U.S. average = 100) are planning estimates on one scale. The 29 cities added in August 2026 were reconciled from BestPlaces city pages, the Payscale and RentCafe cost-of-living calculators (both built on the C2ER Cost of Living Index) and the MERIC state index for Q1 2026; the original 30 large metros date from April 2026 and have not been re-checked since. Local rents and home prices can differ a lot within a metro, and the equivalent salary does not account for income taxes.

Official Sources:

Vermont Cost of Living FAQ

Which taxes weigh most on a Vermont budget?
Property and income taxes carry the most weight. Vermont's average effective property tax near 1.40% ranks among the highest nationally and drives both ownership costs and rents, while the income tax climbs to a top marginal 8.75%. The 6% sales tax matters less day to day because groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs are exempt, so essentials largely escape it.
How should I compare salaries between Vermont towns?
Compare take-home after the major costs, not the gross. Subtract federal and Vermont income tax, factor in the local property tax or rent, which varies sharply by town because effective rates differ, and account for the 6% sales tax on taxable spending. A larger salary in a high-property-tax, high-housing town can leave less in hand than a smaller one in a cheaper community.
Does the 6% sales tax make everyday living costly in Vermont?
Less than the rate alone implies. The 6% applies broadly but exempts groceries, clothing, and prescription drugs, so the essentials a household buys weekly go untaxed. The tax mostly lands on discretionary goods like electronics and furniture, which keeps its effect on a basic cost-of-living budget fairly contained.
Can Vermont's property tax adjustment ease cost of living?
Yes, for qualifying homeowners. The income-sensitive property tax adjustment reduces the education portion of the bill based on household income, softening one of the state's largest fixed costs. Because property taxes here are high and feed into rents as well, that adjustment can be a meaningful factor when deciding whether to buy in a particular town.

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