Direct Answer
Burlington, VT has a CostOfCity index of 118, which is 18% above the national baseline. Average modeled rent is $1,649/month and the single-adult living cost estimate is $4,539/month.
How to Use This City Page
Cost of Living in Burlington: The Full Picture
What does it cost to live in Burlington, VT? The honest answer depends on your lifestyle, but the data gives clear guideposts. With a dense service economy where proximity to major employers keeps demand — and prices — perpetually elevated and a median household income of $48K, this northeastern city offers a specific economic profile. We cover 62 cost categories, each calibrated for Burlington's local conditions.
Burlington has a dense service economy where proximity to major employers keeps demand — and prices — perpetually elevated
The housing market features a housing market that eats 35-45% of median income — well above the recommended 30%
Coastal storms and heavy snowfall inflate insurance premiums and push emergency service calls through the roof every winter.. The lifestyle here is characterized by Cultural institutions, professional sports, and nightlife that rival any global city — and cost like one too..
Above-average but not extreme — that's the financial picture in Burlington. A cost index of 118 means careful budgeting goes a long way, and you'll find pockets of value if you know where to look.
💰 Purchasing Power in Burlington
Purchasing power adjusted to national average baseline. In Burlington, your dollar buys 15% less than the national average.
🔺 Where Burlington Costs More
📊 Closest to National Average
Burlington is above average in most categories. These cost the least above baseline:
💰 Salary Landscape
vs national average · higher = better
Monthly Living Expenses in Burlington
What it actually costs to live in Burlington each month — from tight budgets to comfortable lifestyles.
Estimates include housing, food, transportation, utilities, insurance, and discretionary spending. Based on Burlington's cost index of 118 applied to national spending surveys.
🏘️ Neighborhood Cost Variation
Burlington's cost landscape is shaped by geography. Transit access and historic district premiums drive the sharpest price differences between neighborhoods. A 15-minute drive can mean a 20%+ swing in housing and service costs.
Burlington vs U.S. Average Cost of Living
Category-by-category affordability grades — based on deviation from the national average.
🏠 Home Services in Burlington
What contractors charge for the most common repairs, installations, and remodels
Roof Replacement
+44%HVAC Installation
+45%Plumbing Services
+8%Electrical Work
+34%Kitchen Remodel
+29%Bathroom Remodel
+44%House Painting
+45%Flooring Installation
+10%Landscaping
+35%Fence Installation
+21%Window Replacement
+44%Solar Panel Installation
+22%Water Heater Replacement
+42%Deck Building
+19%Pool Installation
+29%Tree Removal
+30%Garage Door Repair
+15%💼 Business Startup Costs in Burlington
Full startup cost breakdowns — from lease deposits to working capital
Start a Restaurant
+5%Start a Coffee Shop
+23%Start a Food Truck
+31%Start a Gym
+22%Start a Daycare
+8%Start a Hair Salon
+28%Start a Laundromat
+2%Start a Bakery
+7%Start a Bar
+8%Start a Cleaning Business
+9%Start an Airbnb
+13%Start a Trucking Business
+41%📊 Cost of Living in Burlington
Monthly expenses for housing, food, transportation, and everyday necessities
Cost of Living
+13%Rent Prices
+17%Grocery Costs
-2%Utility Costs
0%Transportation Costs
+7%Childcare Costs
+4%Gym Membership
+2%🛡️ Insurance in Burlington
Annual and monthly premium estimates for major insurance categories
Car Insurance
+7%Home Insurance
+40%Health Insurance
+1%Business Insurance
+6%Life Insurance
+18%Renters Insurance
+7%Pet Insurance
+29%Dental Insurance
+8%Motorcycle Insurance
+40%⚖️ Legal Services in Burlington
Attorney fees, court costs, and total legal service expenses
Personal Injury Lawyer
+39%Divorce Lawyer
+9%DUI Lawyer
+32%Immigration Lawyer
+23%Estate Planning Lawyer
+38%Workers Comp Lawyer
0%Bankruptcy Lawyer
+22%💰 Salaries & Jobs in Burlington
Annual compensation by experience level, role, and specialization
Software Developer Salary
+44%Registered Nurse Salary
+18%Teacher Salary
+5%Electrician Salary
+19%Plumber Salary
+33%Accountant Salary
+22%Physical Therapist Salary
+40%Police Officer Salary
+16%Dentist Salary
+23%Real Estate Agent Salary
+12%How Much Income Do You Need in Burlington?
✅ Best For
- Mid-career professionals
- Remote workers with out-of-market salaries
- Couples with dual incomes
⚠️ Not Ideal For
- Single-income families with tight budgets
- Those seeking rock-bottom costs
Talk to current residents about hidden costs. Property taxes, commute expenses, and local fees can add 10-15% to your estimated monthly budget. Local subreddits and Facebook groups are goldmines for this intel.
CostOfCity Value Index
The CostOfCity Value Index combines cost-of-living data with median income, savings potential, and cost growth trends to produce a single score. Higher = better value for your money. Updated quarterly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Burlington
How does Burlington compare to other cities in VT?
Within Vermont, Burlington has a cost index of 118. Nearby options include Montpelier and Saratoga Springs, which offer useful comparison points.
Is Burlington, VT expensive to live in?
Burlington's cost of living index is 118, which is 18% above the national average of 100. This makes Burlington one of the more expensive cities in the US.
What is the median household income in Burlington?
The median household income in Burlington is approximately $48,000 per year. Adjusted for local cost of living (index: 118), this may stretch less than the raw number suggests.
Explore Burlington in Depth
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