Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Connecticut runs roughly 7% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $53,771 in Connecticut and $68,854 in Vermont — about 22% higher in Vermont. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.35%
6%
+0.3 pp in Connecticut
Income Tax (top rate)
6.99%
8.75%
+1.8 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,181
$1,275
+8% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$249,000
$399,600
+60% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$53,771
$68,854
+28% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.2°F
46.0°F
+6.2°F in Connecticut
Connecticut vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Vermont?
- Connecticut is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,181 runs about 7% 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 Connecticut 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 $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or Vermont?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% 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 3/3 cities we track in Connecticut/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.