Cost of Living in Burlington, VT

With a cost of living index of 117, Burlington, VT is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 17% more expensive than the national average and 25% above the Vermont state average of 92. With a population of 44,649, Burlington is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Burlington's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,609 (22% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $400,200 (31% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.8x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Burlington is $68,854, which is 8% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Everyday prices in the Burlington-South Burlington, VT (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.