D
21%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
56%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Essex Junction Vermont National
Cost of living121108100
Groceries107107100
Health care105105100
Housing156114100
Transportation106106100
Utilities106106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105105100
Household Items103103100
Education & Childcare103103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Essex Junction, VT

Knowing the cost of living in Essex Junction allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Essex Junction stands at 121, marking it 21% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Essex Junction may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Essex Junction falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Essex Junction cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 56.1% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Essex Junction Affordable?

Is Essex Junction an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Essex Junction, the median home price is 64.9% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 35.6% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Essex Junction come in at $112,965, which is 38.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Essex Junction?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Essex Junction, the healthcare costs are 5.3% higher than the national average.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Essex Junction, the housing index is 56.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Essex Junction cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Essex Junction is 12% higher than the Vermont average
  • The cost of living in Essex Junction is 21% higher than the national average
  • Essex Junction housing is 56% 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 Essex Junction

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Compare Essex Junction, VT Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$155,438$12,953$3,627$4,664
      Renters$63,851$5,321$1,490$1,916
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Essex Junction, VT, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Essex Junction have a median income of $155,438. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,627 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $63,851, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,490.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Willsboro, NY623945.7%
      Cambridge, VT2501066.4%
      Winooski, VT7,60811212.2%
      Jeffersonville, VT68811313.3%
      Milton, VT4,00111413.8%
      Essex Junction, VT11,17212120.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fair Oaks Ranch, TX11,17115655.6%
      Heath, OH11,168927.5%
      Bellmead, TX11,1668614.3%
      Riverton, WY11,178955.0%
      Weyburn, SK11,179n/a 
      Essex Junction, VT11,17212120.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.