Vermont’s overall cost of living index sits 14.4% above the national average. However, most affordable places to live in Vermont offer pricing below this benchmark.
The most affordable Vermont cities provide median home prices ranging from $231,843 to $325,905. Moreover, cost of living measurements run 5.8% to 12.4% below the U.S. average.
Whether dreaming of hiking or enjoying lakefront recreation Vermont’s most affordable places make that lifestyle accessible.
Key Takeaways
- Northfield offers Vermont’s lowest rental costs at $975 monthly, delivering 18.8% savings compared to the $1,200 statewide average.
- Newport provides 12.4% cost of living savings versus the national average.
- Vermont imposes no sales tax on most items and offers competitive property tax structures, with education and municipal rates typically totaling 2.3% to 3.9% of assessed value annually.
- Strategic relocation from high-tax states saves substantial income: Vermont’s maximum individual income tax rate of 8.75% beats neighboring New York.
Comparing Most Affordable Places to Live in Vermont
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Cost of Living vs US | Best For |
| Bennington | $231,843 | $1,250 | 5.8% lower | Artists, retirees, young families |
| Newport | $245,017 | $1,895 | 12.4% lower | Lake enthusiasts, remote workers |
| Rutland | $258,267 | $1,450 | 9.9% lower | Ski enthusiasts, healthcare workers |
| Hardwick | $251,269 | $1,150 | 11.5% lower | Young farmers, food entrepreneurs |
| Barre | $296,046 | $1,325 | 1.1% lower | Working families, state workers |
| Northfield | $308,009 | $975 | 1.1% lower | Military families, safety-focused |
| Brattleboro | $325,905 | $1,950 | 0.3% lower | Artists, progressive families |
7 Most Affordable Places to Live in Vermont in 2025
1. Bennington
Median Home Price: $231,843
Median Rent: $1,250
Cost of Living: 5.8% below US average
Best For: Artists seeking affordable studio space, retirees prioritizing outdoor access, young families wanting small-town schools with college-town culture
Bennington sits in southwestern Vermont’s Berkshire region. In addition, it blends working-class culture with arts and academics. Indeed, Bennington College adds educational prestige to the area.
Moreover, outdoor recreation thrives throughout the year. Specifically, Robert Frost Stone House Museum offers scenic hiking trails. Likewise, Lake Paran provides excellent kayaking opportunities. Furthermore, Prospect Mountain features quality Nordic skiing facilities.
On the financial side, median household income reaches $53,839 annually. However, this reflects modest earning potential for residents.
Additionally, high-wage jobs exist primarily within education sectors. Nevertheless, Bennington remains an affordable Vermont option for many families.
👉Enjoy small-town charm and scenic beauty in Bennington. So start your Bennington homes for sale search today!
2. Newport
Median Home Price: $245,017
Median Rent: $1,895
Cost of Living: 12.4% below US average
Best For: Lake enthusiasts seeking waterfront affordability, families prioritizing low housing costs, remote workers embracing rural isolation
Newport sits on Lake Memphremagog’s southern shore in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Furthermore, downtown now features growing microbreweries and artisan shops. In fact, the Canadian border lies just 20 miles north.
Additionally, the lake provides boating and fishing for landlocked salmon. Moreover, the median household income reaches $72,656 annually. Consequently, this supports working-class families and healthcare professionals.
However, harsh Northeast Kingdom winters bring heavy lake-effect snow. Furthermore, major medical centers sit 45 minutes away from town. Nevertheless, Newport offers Vermont’s most affordable waterfront living options
👉Looking for an affordable lakeside community? Then explore Newport homes for sale!
3. Rutland
Median Home Price: $258,267
Median Rent: $1,450
Cost of Living: 9.9% below US average
Best For: Ski enthusiasts wanting resort access without resort prices, families seeking city amenities at small-town costs, healthcare professionals
This central Vermont hub combines marble-industry heritage with modern appeal. Additionally, downtown Center Street showcases restored Victorian architecture.
Meanwhile, outdoor recreation defines the region’s lifestyle. Specifically, Killington and Pico ski resorts sit just 20 minutes away. Furthermore, Pine Hill Park offers 16 miles of mountain biking and Nordic trails. Similarly, the historic Paramount Theatre hosts Broadway touring shows.
However, economic factors require consideration for potential residents. Currently, median household income reaches $55,000 annually. This supports working-class families and healthcare workers. Nevertheless, some downtown areas continue economic recovery efforts.
👉Rutland offers mountain views and budget-friendly homes. Therefore, begin exploring Rutland homes of sale today!
4. Hardwick
Median Home Price: $251,269
Median Rent: $1,150
Cost of Living: 11.5% below US average
Best For: Young farmers seeking affordable land, food entrepreneurs, sustainability-minded families, remote workers prioritizing community
Indeed, this community earned recognition as the “Hardwick Food Hub” nationally. Furthermore, it attracts young farmers and food entrepreneurs seeking affordable rural living. Meanwhile, the 93-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs directly through town.
Moreover, the trail provides year-round recreation from fat-tire biking to snowmobiling. Additionally, the Center for Agricultural Economy drives local food innovation forward. Consequently, artisan food producers launch businesses with community support.
Currently, median household income reaches $66,075 annually. However, retail options remain very limited within town boundaries. Nevertheless, budget-conscious residents embrace the agricultural lifestyle despite long isolated winters.
👉Find peaceful, affordable living in Hardwick’s countryside. So start browsing Hardwick homes for sale now!
5. Barre
Median Home Price: $296,046
Median Rent: $1,325
Cost of Living: 1.1% below US average
Best For: Working families seeking affordability near state capital, artists wanting live-work space, state workers commuting to Montpelier
Barre, this central Vermont city built its foundation on granite quarrying traditions. Consequently, the city values labor and craftsmanship deeply. Moreover, Rock of Ages Quarry offers tours 467 feet deep into active operations.
Additionally, Hope Cemetery functions as an outdoor art museum showcasing granite artistry. Specifically, immigrant artisans created elaborate sculpture headstones throughout the grounds. Therefore, families find security alongside affordable living options.
Currently, median household income reaches $53,288 annually for residents. Furthermore, Montpelier sits just 10 minutes away by commute. Consequently, this makes Barre ideal for budget-conscious state workers.
👉Barre combines historic charm with affordable prices. Then discover Barre homes for sale now!
6. Northfield
Median Home Price: $308,009
Median Rent: $975
Cost of Living: 1.1% below US average
Best For: Military families, university employees, young families prioritizing safety, veterans appreciating military culture
Northfield hosts 5,935 residents in central Vermont alongside Norwich University. In fact, this institution ranks as America’s oldest private military college. Furthermore, the Dog River runs directly through town center.
Meanwhile, Paine Mountain Nordic Ski Area offers winter sports access nearby. Currently, median household income reaches $79,853 annually. Therefore, university staff and military families benefit from stronger earning potential.
However, limited nightlife exists beyond campus events and activities. Furthermore, sparse retail options present tradeoffs for potential residents. Nevertheless, Northfield delivers exceptional safety metrics for budget-conscious households.
👉Experience small-town comfort and value in Northfield. So begin your Northfield homes for sale search now!
7. Brattleboro
Median Home Price: $325,905
Median Rent: $1,950
Cost of Living: 0.3% below US average
Best For: Artists seeking creative community, progressive families, remote workers embracing counterculture, organic food enthusiasts
Brattleboro sits along the Connecticut River in southeastern Vermont with 12,110 residents. Indeed, this progressive town attracts artists, musicians, and organic farmers seeking community. Meanwhile, the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center showcases contemporary regional artists.
Moreover, Gallery Walk transforms downtown every first Friday of the month. In addition, the creative community continues growing steadily. Therefore, Brattleboro maintains its reputation as Vermont’s bohemian hub.
Currently, median household income reaches $46,972 annually. In fact, this represents the lowest among Vermont’s affordable towns. Furthermore, limited high-wage employment exists beyond Brattleboro Memorial Hospital.
👉Looking for an artsy, affordable Vermont town? Then explore Brattleboro homes for sale!
How We Ranked Vermont’s Most Affordable Cities in 2025
Our comprehensive analysis uses weighted criteria such as,
- Housing Costs (40%)
- Overall Cost of Living Index (20%)
- Rental Market Affordability (15%)
- Employment and Economic Opportunity (10%)
- Property taxes and Utilities (10%)
- Safety and Quality of Life (5%)
Data sources include, Zillow Home Value Index (2025), RentCafe Vermont Market Analysis, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023-2024), Vermont Department of Labor Employment Statistics, Economic Research Institute Cost of Living Data, World Population Review State Rankings, FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Statistics, SafeWise Vermont’s Safest Cities (2025), and Vermont Joint Fiscal Office Livable Wage Report (2024).
What Drives Affordability in Vermont?
Most affordable places to live in Vermont like Bennington, Newport, and Hardwick offer housing costs 20% to 40% below Burlington’s market. Furthermore, these communities maintain access to quality schools and outdoor recreation. Meanwhile, median home values statewide reached $400,423 in August 2025. Consequently, strategic city selection becomes critical for budget-conscious households.
Additionally, property taxes represent significant ongoing expenses for Vermont homeowners. Specifically, combined education and municipal rates total 2.3% to 3.9% of assessed value annually. Moreover, homestead status affects final tax calculations considerably. Furthermore, monthly utility costs average $294.36 statewide. In fact, this exceeds national benchmarks significantly.
However, transportation expenses sit 27.2% below national averages in certain communities. Nevertheless, limited local employment often requires longer commutes for residents. Therefore, transportation savings partially offset other expenses. Overall, careful financial planning helps households maximize Vermont’s affordable living options.
Smart Tips for Vermont Living
- Explore Northeast Kingdom communities like Newport and Hardwick for maximum affordability.
- Target Barre or Northfield for affordable living within 10-15 minutes of Montpelier state employment.
- Consider Rutland for ski resort access without resort pricing.
- Research homestead property tax status immediately, as homestead rates average 0.05% to 0.15% lower than non-homestead classifications annually.
- Evaluate heating costs carefully, as Vermont has utility expenses of $294.36 month.
- Join local food cooperatives in communities like Hardwick and Brattleboro, accessing farm-fresh produce at 10% to 20% below conventional grocery pricing.
Should You Move to Vermont?
Most affordable places to live in Vermont deliver exceptional value for households prioritizing quality of life. Indeed, communities like Bennington, Newport, and Hardwick provide housing costs 40% to 50% below Burlington. Furthermore, Vermont earned the #1 national quality of life ranking for five consecutive years.
Moreover, each affordable city offers unique advantages for different lifestyles. For example, Newport provides lakefront recreation on Lake Memphremagog. Meanwhile, Hardwick drives agricultural innovation through local food systems. Additionally, Rutland offers ski resort proximity just 20 minutes from major mountains.
Overall, Vermont real estate opportunities continue growing for budget-conscious families. However, expert guidance helps maximize competitive commission savings throughout the process. Consequently, middle-income households discover affordable options maintaining Vermont’s renowned quality of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 7 most affordable cities in Vermont?
The top 7 most affordable Vermont cities includes Bennington ($231,843 median home price), Newport ($245,017), Rutland ($258,267), Hardwick ($251,269), Barre ($296,046), Northfield ($308,009), Brattleboro ($325,905).
Which Vermont cities are best for families on a budget?
For families on a budget, Northfield ranks the best while offering Vermont's lowest rents at $975 monthly, making it ideal for budget-conscious families. Bennington provides small-town schools with college-town cultural programming through Bennington College at median home prices of $231,843.
Are there affordable beach towns in Vermont?
Vermont lacks ocean coastline but Newport provides Lake Memphremagog waterfront access with median home prices of $245,017, offering swimming, boating, and fishing recreation.
What makes Vermont one of the most affordable states?
While Vermont's overall cost of living sits 14.4% above national averages, strategic communities offer substantial savings through working-class heritage and distance from tourist corridors. CNBC ranked Vermont #1 nationally for quality of life in 2025, recognizing low crime rates, pristine air quality, and community inclusiveness.
