Cost of Living in Chelsea, VT

With a cost of living index of 79, Chelsea, VT is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 21% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Vermont state average of 92. Chelsea is a small community of 416 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Chelsea's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,076 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $139,200 (54% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.1x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Chelsea is $45,333, which is 40% 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. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

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.