Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $889 in New Mexico versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, New Mexico runs roughly 30% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $65,604 in New Mexico and $68,854 in Vermont — about 5% higher in Vermont. New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4.875%
6%
+1.1 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
5.90%
8.75%
+2.8 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$889
$1,275
+43% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$266,700
$400,200
+50% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$65,604
$68,854
+5% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
57.2°F
46.0°F
+11.2°F in New Mexico
New Mexico vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Mexico or Vermont?
- New Mexico is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $889 runs about 30% 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 Mexico 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 $36,000 a year in New Mexico versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, New Mexico or Vermont?
- New Mexico has a top state income tax rate of 5.90% and a 4.875% 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 3/1 cities we track in New Mexico/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.