Montpelier, VT vs South Burlington, VT

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Montpelier is 18.1% cheaper than South Burlington. With a cost index of 99 vs 121, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Montpelier to South Burlington should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Montpelier is $1,169/month compared to $1,755/month in South Burlington — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Montpelier is more affordable at $349,200 median vs $399,600.

Median household income in Montpelier is $79,175 compared to $97,229 in South Burlington (-18.6%). While South Burlington is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Montpelier spend roughly 17.7% of their income on rent, less than the 21.7% in South Burlington.