Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,133 in Idaho versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Idaho runs roughly 11% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $81,308 in Idaho and $68,854 in Vermont — about 15% higher in Idaho. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% 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%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
5.30%
8.75%
+3.5 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,133
$1,275
+13% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$456,000
$400,200
+12% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$81,308
$68,854
+15% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.5°F
46.0°F
+6.5°F in Idaho
Idaho vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Idaho or Vermont?
- Idaho is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,133 runs about 11% 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 Idaho 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 $45,000 a year in Idaho versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Idaho or Vermont?
- Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% 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 Idaho/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.