Cost of Living in Burlington, VT

Cost of Living in Burlington, VT: A Detailed Overview

With a median household income of $52,700, residents of Burlington, VT earn $21,880 less than the national median of $74,580. What makes that figure meaningful is the local cost context: Burlington's cost of living index sits at 112.5, placing it above the national baseline of 100. In practical terms, everyday expenses here run about 12.5 percent more than the U.S. average. The city is a small community of roughly 44,743 people, situated in the East Coast. The resulting purchasing-power equation puts a premium on financial discipline, particularly around housing and healthcare — the two categories that tend to fluctuate most from city to city.

Housing Costs in Burlington

For renters, Burlington's housing market centers on a median monthly rent of $1,500, which lands $128 above the national median of $1,372. One-bedroom apartments typically run $1,300 per month, while two-bedroom units average $1,700. Rental costs track closely with national averages, meaning tenants can expect a middle-of-the-road housing experience without major surprises. Shelter costs account for roughly 33 percent of the average household's total spending, confirming housing's role as the dominant budget line item. The rent-to-income ratio in Burlington stands at 34.2 percent — above the 30 percent threshold most planners cite as a healthy maximum, which means some households will feel squeezed unless they can negotiate lower rents or boost income.

Monthly Expenses and Budget Breakdown

Building a realistic monthly budget for life in Burlington starts with the biggest line items: housing at $1,500 and childcare at $1,200. Together those two categories account for the bulk of the estimated $4,485 in total monthly spending (the national average is approximately $4,357). From there, groceries add $380 — a below-average outlay that keeps the food budget manageable. Utilities run $160, transportation costs $110, and healthcare — premiums, copays, prescriptions, and out-of-pocket expenses — averages $450. That healthcare figure sits at or below the national average of $450, a positive signal for anyone budgeting for regular medical care. Entertainment and dining add $145, and childcare averages $1,200 monthly for families with young children.

How Burlington Compares to the National Average

When comparing Burlington to national norms, the overall cost of living index of 112.5 is the starting point, but individual categories reveal where the real differences lie. housing costs $1,500 per month — the largest single category — while childcare adds $1,200. Grocery costs come in below the national average, contributing to overall affordability. Healthcare at $450 is at or below the national average of $450. The combined effect: total monthly costs of $4,485 versus $4,357 nationally, a difference of roughly $128 per month that adds up over time and warrants strategic budgeting.

Burlington for Different Lifestyles

Young professionals and singles: Burlington's one-bedroom apartments rent for $1,300 per month, while entertainment and social spending average $145. Housing above the national one-bedroom median of $1,190 means career earnings need to be competitive to support both rent and a healthy savings rate.

Families: Childcare in Burlington runs $1,200 per month, which is a significant line item that parents need to budget for explicitly. On the local median income of $52,700, the housing cost burden requires families to trade off between competing priorities like saving versus spending on enrichment.

Is Burlington, VT Right for You?

The data on Burlington, VT adds up to a clear financial profile: median rent at $1,500, median home prices at $420,000, and total estimated monthly expenses around $4,485. The above-average costs demand strong earnings or deliberate budgeting, but the city's amenities and opportunities can justify the investment. Use our comparison calculator to see how Burlington stacks up against your current city or other locations you are evaluating, then consider a visit to experience neighborhoods, commute patterns, and the local atmosphere firsthand. The best relocation decisions combine solid data with personal priorities and on-the-ground exploration.