Moving to Vermont? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Vermont is a state located in the northeastern United States and is most commonly known for its picturesque landscapes amongst charming small towns, with seemingly endless opportunities for outdoor recreational exploration. The state is possibly most famous for its vibrant fall foliage that pulls in hundreds of thousands of tourists per season.

If you are considering moving to Vermont, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Vermont Facts:

Population: 645,000+ (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $45,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Vermont is the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States. The state’s climate and abundance of sugar maple trees make it an ideal location for maple syrup production, and Vermont takes great pride in its maple industry, hosting maple festivals and offering a wide range of maple-related products.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Vermont

From State	Estimated Cost
California	$4,800 – $7,200
Texas	$4,000 – $6,000
Florida	$4,200 – $6,500
New York	$2,000 – $3,500
Pennsylvania	$2,500 – $4,000
Illinois	$3,800 – $5,800
Ohio	$3,200 – $5,000
Georgia	$3,900 – $6,100
North Carolina	$3,500 – $5,700
Michigan	$3,600 – $5,600

2. Vermont Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Vermont can vary between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Vermont

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,725+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,760+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,000+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,400+

Vermont Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $1,390+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $1,160+

Vermont Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Vermont compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 30.4% more expensive
New York is 51.9% more expensive
Los Angeles is 31.2% more expensive
Toronto is 1.8% more expensive
Sydney is 18% more expensive
Paris is 16.6% cheaper
Dubai is 2.1% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom.
Different Areas – Different Prices: In Burlington, the largest city, downtown rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment can range from approximately $1,500 to $2,500 per month. In suburban areas or smaller towns like Montpelier and Stowe, house purchase prices can range from around $200,000 to $600,000 or higher, depending on factors like location, size, and amenities.

3. Vermont Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Vermont’s food and drink scene emphasizes farm-to-table dining, locally sourced ingredients, and a focus on artisanal products. The state is famous for its Vermont cheddar cheese, maple syrup, and craft breweries, which produce a variety of unique and high-quality beers.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $21.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.00
Bottle of Coke: $2.20
1L of Milk: $1.00
Loaf of Bread: $4.30
12 Eggs: $4.50
1kg Chicken: $10.60
1kg Beef: $14.60
1kg Apples: $5.10
1kg White Rice: $4.75

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 19.8% more expensive and groceries are 25.5% cheaper than Vermont.
New York restaurants are 21.4% more expensive and groceries are 25% more expensive than Vermont.
Los Angeles restaurants are 19.9% more expensive and groceries are 5.1% more expensive than Vermont.
Toronto restaurants are 4.9% cheaper and groceries are 8% cheaper than Vermont.
Sydney restaurants are 0.2% more expensive and groceries are 2.1% more expensive than Vemont.
Paris restaurants are 6.6% cheaper and groceries are 1.6% more expensive than Vemont.
Dubai restaurants are 11.7% cheaper and groceries are 53.5% cheaper than Vemont.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Vermont hosts a vibrant network of farmers’ markets throughout the state, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and a chance to directly support local farmers and artisans. Major cities like Burlington, Montpelier, and Brattleboro have popular farmers’ markets that operate during the warmer months. The state also features a range of supermarkets, including affordable options like Shaw’s and Hannaford, as well as higher-end stores like Healthy Living Market and Natural Provisions.
Find Cheap Eats: Vermont has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Eater.

4. Vermont Alcohol Costs

Vermont, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $4.25
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.75
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $3.00
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $11.75

How To Drink For Less in Vermont

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.

5. Vermont Transportation Fares

Public transport in Vermont is limited compared to more urbanised areas. The state primarily relies on a network of local and regional bus services, along with Amtrak train services, to connect different towns and cities. However, private vehicles are generally the most common mode of transportation for residents, especially in rural areas with fewer public transport options.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $1.50
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $20.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Vermont likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Vermont

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Vermont varies by region and elevation. In general, the state experiences cold winters and mild summers. The coldest month is typically January, with average temperatures ranging from -9°C to -1°C (16°F to 30°F). The hottest month is July, with average temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F). The wettest month varies, but it tends to be in the late spring or early summer, with increased precipitation.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $45.00
Summer Dress: $30.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $85.00
Business Shoes: $90.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $4.50
Shampoo: $4.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $5.00
Gym Membership: $80.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Vermont

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Vermont. If you’re moving to Vermont from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Vermont:

Volkswagen Golf: $24,900+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.97

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Vermont

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Vermont

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

Vermont has a state sales tax rate of 6%. It’s important to note that local taxes may also apply, and some items, such as groceries and clothing, are exempt from sales tax.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Vermont at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Vermont you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Vermont

If you do make the move to Vermont, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $375
New York: $75
Los Angeles: $160
Toronto: $240
Vancouver: $160
Dubai: $850
Sydney: $1,500
Melbourne: $810
Cape Town: $1,100
Hong Kong: $1,300

Other Tips on Moving to Vermont

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Vermont but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Vermont Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Vermont.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Vermont always has something going on. Have a look at Vermont Vacation.

12. Moving to Vermont with a Family

Vermont is generally considered a family-friendly location with a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a focus on outdoor activities and recreational opportunities. The state has a relatively low crime rate compared to the national average, and its smaller towns and rural areas are known for their safety and close-knit communities.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Yelp.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, is often considered a family-friendly area to live in, with a vibrant downtown, access to Lake Champlain, and numerous parks and recreational facilities. Other family-oriented towns in Vermont include Montpelier, Middlebury, and Stowe, which offer quality schools, outdoor activities, and a welcoming community.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Vermont. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Vermont for Work

While it is possible to move to Vermont without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Vermont’s main industries include tourism, agriculture (particularly dairy farming), manufacturing (including industries like precision machining and aerospace), healthcare, and education. Vermont currently has an unemployment rate of around 3.4%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Vermont, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Vermont from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Vermont, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Two areas the size of Kangaroo Island will be comparable in size to Vermont.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Vermont that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Vermont from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Vermont. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Three lots of Prince Edward Island equals the size of Vermont.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Vermont from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Vermont. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Adding together Cumbria, Northumberland and North Yorkshire gives an area the size of Vermont.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Vermont, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Vermont you can start by comparing moving quotes here.