Salary Needed to Live in Burlington as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $150,295/year to live comfortably in Burlington, VT, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $150,295/year to live comfortably in Burlington, VT. The bare-minimum salary is $118,983/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $8,730.
The minimum scenario leaves about $7,139/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $12,525/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$150,295
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$118,983
$9,915/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$7,139
0% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Burlington
| Expense | Burlington | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $2,144 | $2,509 | -15% |
| Groceries | $620 | $528 | +17% |
| Utilities | $300 | $337 | -11% |
| Transportation | $534 | $526 | +2% |
| Car Insurance | $187 | $229 | -18% |
| Health Insurance | $605 | $690 | -12% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,416 | $1,200 | +18% |
| Internet + Phones | $212 | $180 | +18% |
| Children Activities | $295 | $250 | +18% |
| Dining Out | $413 | $350 | +18% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $236 | $200 | +18% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $177 | $150 | +18% |
| Total Monthly | $7,139 | $7,149 | 0% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$7,139
Target savings (15%):$1,591/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$8,730
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$150,295
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$2,144
3BR Apartment/House rent is 30% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus VT state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,591/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
118/100
Burlington is close to the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $2,144/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,749/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $118,983/year as the survival floor and $150,295/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Burlington
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Burlington?
A family with kids needs approximately $150,295/year ($12,525/month gross) to live comfortably in Burlington with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Burlington?
A 3br apartment/house in Burlington costs approximately $2,144/month, which is the largest single expense at 30% of the total budget.
Is Burlington affordable for a family with kids?
Burlington is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.