Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,275 in Vermont versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Vermont runs roughly 4% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $68,854 in Vermont and $83,857 in Washington — about 18% higher in Washington. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
8.75%
None
+8.8 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,275
$1,332
+4% in Washington
Median Home Value
$400,200
$454,600
+14% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$68,854
$83,857
+22% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
46.0°F
52.1°F
+6.1°F in Washington
Vermont vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Vermont or Washington?
- Vermont is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $1,275 runs about 4% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Vermont than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $51,000 a year in Vermont versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Vermont or Washington?
- Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Vermont/Washington — 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.