Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $857 in New York versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, New York runs roughly 33% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,050 in New York and $68,854 in Vermont — about 30% higher in Vermont. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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%
6%
+2.0 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
10.90%
8.75%
+2.2 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$857
$1,275
+49% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$152,300
$400,200
+163% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,050
$68,854
+43% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
48.3°F
46.0°F
+2.3°F in New York
New York vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New York or Vermont?
- New York is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $857 runs about 33% 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 York 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 $34,000 a year in New York versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, New York or Vermont?
- New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% 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 York/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.