Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Alabama runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $68,854 in Vermont — about 36% higher in Vermont. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
8.75%
+3.8 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$1,275
+27% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$138,600
$400,200
+189% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$68,854
+55% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
46.0°F
+17.3°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Vermont?
- Alabama is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,004 runs about 21% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Vermont?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Vermont?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Alabama/Vermont — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.