Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Vermont's overall cost of living index of 114.9 is well above the national average, driven primarily by high housing and utility costs.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 98 | 100 |
- •Vermont's cost of living index has risen almost every year since 2019
- •Heating oil and propane use raises Vermont's utility costs above regional peers
- •Burlington is Vermont's most expensive metro area to live in
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Vermont sit at an index of 128, significantly above the national baseline, driven by rising home values and constrained supply.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 86.5 | 100 |
- •Housing is the single largest driver of Vermont's high cost of living index
- •Chittenden County housing costs exceed the state average significantly
- •Property tax burden adds to overall housing cost pressure
Utility Costs
Vermont's utility cost index of 124 reflects heavy reliance on heating oil and propane for winter heating, along with electricity prices around 21.8 cents per kWh.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Northeast region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU010072610).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 125.8 | 100 |
- •Vermont generates nearly 100% of its in-state electricity from renewable sources
- •Many Vermont homes still rely on fuel oil or propane for heat, driving up winter bills
- •Electricity prices in Vermont are among the highest in New England
Food Costs
Food costs in Vermont are moderately above the national average, with an index of 107, reflecting transportation distances and a limited large-scale grocery retail base.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAF1).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 97.3 | 100 |
- •Vermont is a major dairy and maple syrup producing state, supporting some local food affordability
- •Grocery prices in rural counties can run higher due to distribution costs
- •Farmers markets are widespread across the state, especially in summer
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Vermont register an index of 113, above the national average, even though the state boasts one of the highest insurance coverage rates in the country at about 97%.
Medical care price index (Northeast region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Northeast region, annual average (CUUR0100SAM).
- •Vermont has one of the highest health insurance coverage rates in the US
- •UVM Medical Center in Burlington is the state's largest hospital system
- •Rural physician shortages add strain to Vermont's healthcare system
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Vermont carry an index of 104, slightly above the national average, driven by gasoline prices around $3.18 per gallon and long rural commute distances.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, New England region (PADD 1A), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1X_DPG).
| Indicator | Vermont | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.34 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •Only about 0.8% of Vermonters commute via public transportation
- •Most households own roughly two vehicles on average
- •Vermont's average commute time of 23 minutes is among the shortest in the US