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A good salary in Vermont supports a quality of life that attracts people seeking small-town New England charm and outdoor recreation.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, VT average | $52,000-$68,000 | $42,000-$52,000 |
| Single in Burlington | $58,000-$75,000 | $48,000-$58,000 |
| Single in Montpelier | $50,000-$65,000 | $40,000-$50,000 |
| Family of 4 | $85,000-$110,000 | $68,000-$85,000 |
Key note: Vermont’s housing costs have risen as remote workers have moved in.
Why Vermont Is Moderately Expensive
Vermont’s cost factors include:
- Limited housing stock (especially in popular areas)
- Remote worker influx during/after pandemic
- High energy costs (cold winters)
- Higher taxes than most states
Good Salary by Vermont City
Burlington
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city on Lake Champlain.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $42,000 | $72,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $120,000+ |
Median home price: ~$475,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,600/month
Montpelier
Montpelier is the nation’s smallest state capital.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $65,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $82,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $65,000+ | $105,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,300/month
Rutland
Rutland offers more affordable living in central Vermont.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $32,000 | $55,000 |
| Comfortable | $42,000 | $70,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $55,000+ | $90,000+ |
Median home price: ~$280,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,050/month
Stowe/Ski Country
Ski resort areas command premium prices.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $50,000 | $85,000 |
| Comfortable | $65,000 | $105,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $90,000+ | $150,000+ |
Median home price: ~$700,000+
Average rent (1BR): ~$2,000/month
How Much House Can You Afford in Vermont?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $52,000 | $190,000-$210,000 |
| $68,000 | $255,000-$280,000 |
| $85,000 | $320,000-$350,000 |
| $110,000 | $420,000-$460,000 |
Vermont vs. Other States
| State | $65K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $52,500 | 106 |
| New Hampshire | $56,500 | 108 |
| Maine | $52,800 | 102 |
| Massachusetts | $51,500 | 125 |
Vermont’s income tax is higher than neighbors.
Vermont State Income Tax
Vermont has a graduated income tax:
- $0-$45,400: 3.35%
- $45,401-$110,050: 6.6%
- $110,051-$229,550: 7.6%
- Over $229,550: 8.75%
The top rate of 8.75% is among the highest in the nation.
Top Industries in Vermont
- Healthcare (UVM Medical Center) — Average salary $60,000+
- Education — Average salary $50,000+
- Tourism/Recreation — Seasonal, average $38,000+
- Manufacturing (specialty foods, precision) — Average salary $52,000+
- Technology (remote workers, small tech) — Average salary $75,000+
- Agriculture (dairy, maple syrup) — Average salary $40,000+
Vermont Lifestyle Considerations
Pros:
- Beautiful four-season scenery
- Strong community feel
- Excellent skiing and outdoor recreation
- High quality of life
- Clean environment
Cons:
- High income taxes
- Long, cold winters
- Very limited job market
- Housing shortage in popular areas
- Far from major metros
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in New Hampshire?
- What is a good salary in Maine?
- How much house on $65K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.” bls.gov/oes
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