Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $978 in New Jersey versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,416 in New Jersey and $68,854 in Vermont — about 30% higher in Vermont. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.625%
6%
+0.6 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
10.75%
8.75%
+2.0 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$978
$1,275
+30% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$337,800
$400,200
+18% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,416
$68,854
+42% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
46.0°F
+8.9°F in New Jersey
New Jersey vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Vermont?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $978 runs about 23% 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Vermont?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% 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 New Jersey/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.