F
24%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
59%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Burlington Vermont National
Cost of living124110100
Goods & Services108108100
Groceries105105100
Health care106106100
Housing159112100
Transportation107107100
Utilities121121100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Burlington, VT

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Burlington is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Burlington is 124, which is 24% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Burlington may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Burlington falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Burlington cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 58.8%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Burlington?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 10 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Burlington. The results indicated that 60% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 40% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Burlington Affordable?

Wondering if Burlington is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Burlington, for example, the median home price is 69% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 34.8% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Burlington boasting a median household income of $55,461, which is 0.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Burlington?

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Burlington, the housing index comes in at 58.8% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Burlington, the groceries index is 4.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Burlington displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Burlington is 13% higher than the Vermont average
  • The cost of living in Burlington is 24% higher than the national average
  • Burlington housing is 59% higher than the national average
  • Vermont general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Vermont state income tax is 29% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Burlington

See all the best places to live around Burlington

Compare Burlington, VT Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$100,684$8,390$2,349$3,021
      Renters$35,557$2,963$830$1,067
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Burlington, VT, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Burlington, homeowners have a median income of $100,684. Using that number, a maximum of $2,349 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $35,557, which means there is a maximum of $830 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      Vermont Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Vermont 6% 7%

      Vermont Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Vermont 3.35% 8.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Haircut $26.98$24.2611.2%
      Beauty Salon $46.44$45.561.9%
      Toothpaste $3.73$3.700.8%
      Shampoo $1.23$1.283.9%
      Movie $11.94$12.131.6%
      Bowling $15.67$18.0013.0%

      Groceries

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.76$5.841.4%
      Fried Chicken $1.72$1.579.6%
      Milk $4.82$4.673.1%
      Potatoes $4.97$4.930.7%
      Pizza $12.05$12.090.3%
      Beer $10.01$10.413.9%

      Health Care

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $141.67$125.6812.7%
      Doctor $152.78$135.7812.5%
      Dentist $130.83$113.2915.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.78$10.651.2%
      Lipitor $371.02$468.6020.8%

      Housing

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Home Price $312,200.00$184,700.0069.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $3,072.44$2,346.6930.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,279.00$949.0034.8%

      Transportation

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.59$3.463.8%
      Tire Balancing $68.60$59.9214.5%

      Utilities

      Item Burlington National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $262.67$193.9935.4%
      Phone $186.03$192.253.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Plattsburgh West, NY1,230928.4%
      Keeseville, NY2,557964.2%
      Willsboro, NY605973.1%
      Plattsburgh, NY19,3431010.5%
      Peru, NY1,5571032.8%
      Burlington, VT42,64512423.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Farmers Branch, TX42,65911010.4%
      Fairfield, OH42,623990.8%
      Jefferson City, MO42,670909.8%
      Mankato, MN42,685991.5%
      Langford, BC42,691n/a 
      Burlington, VT42,64512423.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.