Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $964 in Michigan versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Michigan runs roughly 24% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,526 in Michigan and $68,854 in Vermont — about 5% higher in Vermont. Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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)
4.25%
8.75%
+4.5 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$964
$1,275
+32% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$225,500
$399,600
+77% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$68,854
+5% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.1°F
46.0°F
+3.1°F in Michigan
Michigan vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Michigan or Vermont?
- Michigan is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $964 runs about 24% 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 Michigan 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 $39,000 a year in Michigan versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Michigan or Vermont?
- Michigan has a top state income tax rate of 4.25% 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 3/3 cities we track in Michigan/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.