Essex Junction, VT vs Shelburne, VT

Essex Junction, VT and Shelburne, VT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.3% difference in their overall index. Essex Junction scores 110 while Shelburne scores 114 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Essex Junction is $1,439/month compared to $1,238/month in Shelburne — a 16% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Shelburne has cheaper rent, Essex Junction actually has lower median home values ($376,800 vs $496,700).

Median household income in Essex Junction is $94,423 compared to $106,187 in Shelburne (-11.1%). While Shelburne 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 14% in Shelburne.