Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,195 in Virginia versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Virginia runs roughly 6% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,017 in Virginia and $68,854 in Vermont — about 7% higher in Vermont. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.3%
6%
+0.7 pp in Vermont
Income Tax (top rate)
5.75%
8.75%
+3.0 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,195
$1,275
+7% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$328,100
$400,200
+22% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,017
$68,854
+8% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
59.9°F
46.0°F
+13.9°F in Virginia
Virginia vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Virginia or Vermont?
- Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,195 runs about 6% 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 Virginia 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 $48,000 a year in Virginia versus $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Virginia or Vermont?
- Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% 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 Virginia/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.