D-
23%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
65%
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 South Burlington Vermont National
Cost of living123108100
Groceries107107100
Health care105105100
Housing165114100
Transportation106106100
Utilities106106100
Lifestyle & Entertainment105105100
Household Items103103100
Education & Childcare103103100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in South Burlington, VT

Getting a feel for the cost of living in South 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 South Burlington is 123, which is 23% 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're in pursuit of an economical living environment, South Burlington 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, South Burlington falls within this bracket.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in South Burlington, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 64.5% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is South Burlington Affordable?

Is South Burlington 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 South Burlington, the median home price is 71.5% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 48.2% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in South Burlington come in at $115,520, which is 42% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in South Burlington?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in South Burlington, is 64.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In South Burlington, healthcare costs are 5.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The South Burlington cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in South Burlington is 14% higher than the Vermont average
  • The cost of living in South Burlington is 23% higher than the national average
  • South Burlington housing is 65% 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 South Burlington

See all the best places to live around South Burlington

Compare South Burlington, 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$152,031$12,669$3,547$4,561
      Renters$73,721$6,143$1,720$2,212
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in South Burlington is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. South Burlington has a median income of about $152,031 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,547 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $73,721. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,720 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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%
      Parc, NY23211110.9%
      Winooski, VT7,60811212.2%
      Milton, VT4,00111413.8%
      South Burlington, VT20,01012323.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Badger, AK20,01912221.5%
      Bethany, OK20,021909.9%
      Makakilo, HI20,02417978.9%
      Affton, MO19,993946.3%
      Matteson, IL19,9901022.2%
      South Burlington, VT20,01012323.1%
      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.