Barre, VT vs Essex Junction, VT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Barre is 25.7% cheaper than Essex Junction. With a cost index of 82 vs 110, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Barre to Essex Junction should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Barre is $986/month compared to $1,439/month in Essex Junction — a 32% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Barre is more affordable at $200,100 median vs $376,800.

Median household income in Barre is $53,288 compared to $94,423 in Essex Junction (-43.6%). While Essex Junction is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Barre spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Essex Junction.