Essex Junction, VT vs Montpelier, VT

Montpelier is moderately more affordable than Essex Junction, with a 10.5% lower cost of living index. Essex Junction scores 110 compared to 99 for Montpelier, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Essex Junction can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex Junction is $1,439/month compared to $1,169/month in Montpelier — a 23% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montpelier is more affordable at $349,200 median vs $376,800.

Median household income in Essex Junction is $94,423 compared to $79,175 in Montpelier (+19.3%). 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 Essex Junction spend roughly 18.3% of their income on rent, more than the 17.7% in Montpelier.