United States
Cost of living in Vermont
Cost of living in Vermont comes in at 98.0, roughly 2 percent below the national average of 100, and ranks 23rd most expensive nationally. Vermont's income tax structure is progressive with a top rate of 8.75 percent, and the standard deduction for single filers is $7,400 for 2025. The state sales tax base rate is 6 percent, with no local sales tax additions, keeping total rates consistent across the state. Vermont presents an unusual profile: prices are noticeably below the national average despite the state sitting in the high-cost New England region, largely because housing values in Vermont are moderate compared with Massachusetts or Connecticut. The income tax is among the more aggressive in the country at the top end, and even middle-income earners reach the 6.6 and 7.6 percent brackets before hitting the 8.75 percent ceiling. For earners above $100,000, Vermont's tax load is meaningful and should be factored into any relocation calculation.
Price level
98
US = 100
National rank
23rd
of 51, dearest first
Income tax
8.75%
top rate
Sales tax
6%
state base rate
What your salary is worth in Vermont
Because prices here sit at 98 against the national 100, the same paycheck stretches differently than it would elsewhere. These figures hold buying power constant: the salary listed is what you would need in Vermont to live as you would on the reference amount in another place.
| Same lifestyle as | $60,000 | $100,000 |
|---|---|---|
| US average | $58,800 | $98,000 |
| California (dearest) | $53,117 | $88,528 |
| Arkansas (cheapest) | $67,664 | $112,773 |
Compare Vermont with anywhere in the US
To live the same in California you need
$79,071
to match $70,000 in Vermont
Price level, US = 100
The equivalent salary keeps your purchasing power constant: it is your pay scaled by the ratio of the two price levels. Regional Price Parities measure what a fixed basket of goods and services costs locally. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024.
Vermont in context
Vermont's below-average price level reflects thin population density and a housing stock that has not experienced the same demand pressure as coastal New England states. Burlington, the largest city, has seen rent increases, but the broader state market remains moderately priced. The rural character of Vermont means most residents depend on cars for daily life, adding transportation costs not always captured in price level indices. Ski resort communities such as Stowe and Manchester carry premium housing prices driven by second-home demand, creating pockets well above the statewide average. Vermont has no local sales tax additions, which provides predictability on purchases. The progressive income tax, combined with high property taxes in some towns, can make Vermont's total tax burden heavier than the sticker price suggests. Remote workers drawn by the landscape and quality of life typically face a higher state income tax than they would in many other rural states.
The closest state above Vermont on price is Minnesota at 98.6. Just below sits Pennsylvania at 97.6.
Frequently asked questions
Is Vermont expensive to live in?
Vermont sits at a price level of 98 where the US average is 100, so a typical basket of goods and services costs about 2% less than the national norm. That ranks it 23rd most expensive of 51 states. Housing is usually the largest single driver of the gap.
What salary do you need in Vermont?
To match the buying power of $60,000 earned at the US average, you would need about $58,800 in Vermont. The figure scales with the price level: a place dearer than average needs more, a cheaper one needs less. Your own number also depends on housing choice and household size.
How much tax does Vermont charge?
Vermont applies a top state income-tax rate of 8.75% and a base state sales tax of 6%. Single-filer rate schedule; thresholds indexed annually. Standard deduction $7,400 single for 2025. State sales tax base rate 6.0%. Local jurisdictions can add their own sales tax on top.
Cost of living in other states
Price levels are Regional Price Parities from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities (SARPP, MARPP), 2024 (public domain). State tax figures are the latest published rates from state revenue departments. All figures are estimates for general comparison and not financial advice; your own costs depend on housing, household size and lifestyle.