Want Vermont’s scenic mountain lifestyle without Stowe’s high prices? Don’t give up on the dream. You can afford a house in the Green Mountain State if you know where to look.
Your perfect home could be a family-friendly house in Rutland or a starter home in Hardwick, Vermont’s emerging arts and education hub. If you’re retiring, look at homes for sale in Northfield to enjoy an affordable New England lifestyle, with median home prices under $280,000.
After assessing hundreds of cities, we’ve ranked the 10 most affordable places to live in Vermont to help you find a home that fits your budget.
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Key Takeaways
- Hardwick is the most affordable city: Hardwick’s cost of living is 14% lower than the national average. With a median home price of $279,000, it is the cheapest place to live in Vermont.
- Barre is the best city for young professionals: With jobs in public services, retail, and skilled trades along with access to training programs, Barre is a prime spot to build a career.
- For families, Newport is a great choice: With quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and lakeside recreation, Newport is an ideal place to raise a family on a budget.
- Retirees should consider Brandon: Retirees can enjoy a walkable downtown and cultural amenities, with a median home price of $296,000.
- Don’t forget Vermont’s “winter heating tax”: Heating costs average around $2,400 annually, and property taxes are steep at 1.71%. So, your $379,669 home could end up costing you significantly more.
Cheapest Places to Live in Vermont in 2026
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to State Average | Affordability Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hardwick | $279,000 | $975 | 14% less⬇️ | 7.5 |
| 2. Newport | $209,000 | $1,500 | 11% less⬇️ | 7.3 |
| 3. Bennington | $272,000 | $1,350 | 6% less⬇️ | 6.8 |
| 4. Rutland | $255,000 | $1,500 | 4% less⬇️ | 6.7 |
| 5. Randolph | $329,989 | $1,095 | 3% less⬇️ | 6.6 |
| 6. Barre | $274,500 | $1,300 | 5% less⬇️ | 6.6 |
| 7. Northfield | $274,000 | $1,675 | 5% less⬇️ | 6.2 |
| 8. Brandon | $296,000 | $1,650 | 5% less⬇️ | 6 |
| 9. Waterford | $336,936 | $1,375 | 0% less⬇️ | 5.9 |
| 10. Brattleboro | $382,000 | $1,700 | 5% less⬇️ | 5 |
How We Ranked the Most Affordable Places to Live in Vermont
To identify the cheap places to live in Vermont, we carried out an in-depth analysis using multiple reliable data sources and indicators of affordability.
Data Sources:
- Median Home Prices: We used Houzeo’s Vermont Housing Market report and double-checked the numbers with the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA).
- Median Rent: We got the rent data from C2ER, which publishes the national Cost of Living Index. This was verified every few months to make sure it’s accurate.
- Overall Cost of Living: We covered 6 big spending categories— housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous goods— from C2ER and Houzeo’s Cost of Living in Vermont Calculator. We then compared everything to the U.S. average of 100.
We studied housing data from 2022 to 2025 to identify cities that remained affordable over time, not just during short dips in prices. Furthermore, each city’s data was also cross-checked with HUD and state economic reports.
All our information is up to date as of 2025, ensuring you receive the most current insights.
Affordability Scoring:
We built a simple scoring system that focuses on what really matters:
- Median Home Price (40%)
- Median Rent (35%)
- Cost of Living (25%)
This way, we can clearly show which Washington cities give you the best value for your money. You can also check out our score breakdown to see how each city was ranked.
Image credits: All blog images are sourced from Freepik.
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Vermont
Hardwick is one of the cheapest places to live in Vermont. If you enjoy quiet rural life in a small-town setting, Hardwick works for you. Most jobs are anchored in agriculture and related sectors. Meanwhile, the Caspian Lake and the Hardwick Trails are known spots for outdoor activities.
- East Hardwick: There are historic Greek Revival and Italianate homes for sale in East Hardwich the Lamoille River. You’re steps from the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and Overlook Park, where community projects bring neighbors together. Families benefit from proximity to Hazen Union High School as well.
- Mackville: Most homes for sale in Mackville offer close access to Mackville Pond Recreation Area, with playgrounds and picnic sites. Families looking for broader amenities can visit central Hardwick for shopping and the Farmers’ Market.
- Job Market: Hardwick’s economy is driven by agriculture and food processing, along with community service organizations. Key employers include the Center for an Agricultural Economy, the Vermont Food Venture Center, Salvation Farms, and Northeast Kingdom Community Action.
- Recreation: Residents enjoy the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail for biking, walking, and snowshoeing. If you are into art, visit the Highland Center for Art. For boating and swimming, Caspain Lake is a great place in summers. For homestyle cooking, places like Village Restaurant are available.
- Severe Winter Weather: The average temperature in January drops to 9–10 °F, and roughly 100 inches of snow each year causes road closures. Harsh winter raises winter heating costs as well.
- Limited Job Diversity: The local economy relies heavily on agriculture, dairy farming, and food processing. There is a lack of high-paying jobs in the tech and finance sectors.
- Minimal Amenities: No major grocery chains, theaters, or shopping centers exist locally. Residents travel 25-40 minutes to Morrisville or Barre for shopping or fancy dining options.
Newport is one of the cheapest cities to live in Vermont. You can enjoy boating on Lake Memphremagog, walking along Prouty Beach, and exploring the MAC Center for the Arts. Derby and nearby towns are easily accessible via I‑91, and Burlington International Airport (BTV) is the nearest airport, about 85 miles away.
- Lakefront Area: The neighborhood gives you close access to Lake Memphremagog with city docks. Prouty Beach has a sandy shoreline along with a biking trail with scenic views toward Canada.
- Prospect Street Zone: This area features North Country Union High School just 0.5 miles away. Residents also enjoy proximity to Wells Park, which is used for community events like the July 4th Celebration and the Winter Festival.
- Downtown Newport Historic District: You will find houses and civic buildings in the area from the 19th to the early 20th centuries. The neighborhood is connected to Third Street and Coventry Street. For boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding, you can visit Lake Memphremagog.
- Job Market: Newport’s economy relies on health care, manufacturing, and tourism. North Country Hospital and Columbia Forest Products are top employers.
- Recreation: You can visit Prouty Beach for swimming, camping, boating, or have a picnic near Lake Memphremagog. The Beebe Spur Rail Trail and Newport Waterfront Path provide scenic walking and biking routes. Local historic places include the Historic Goodrich Memorial Library.
- Harsh Winters: The city experiences around 100 inches of snow annually, with temperatures averaging -10 F to -14 F.
- Few Amenities: Residents travel to larger cities like Burlington for major retailers, big chain restaurants, and entertainment options.
- Elevated Crime Rates: Newport’s violent crimes are 75% higher than the national average. Furthermore, among violent crimes, residents are more likely to experience assault.
Bennington remains one of the most affordable places to live in Vermont. Housing in the city gets you walkable parks like Willow Park, along with access to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. You can enjoy a low cost of living in Bennington while keeping a close distance to Albany, NY, which is an hour away.
- North Bennington: Residents value proximity to Mount Anthony Union Middle School and scenic trails near Bennington Battlefield. This provides balanced access to education and outdoor recreation. Furthermore, the neighborhood also features Powers Market, one of the oldest continuously operating general stores in the U.S.
- Downtown Bennington: This area is a historic junction of Routes 7 and 9 (Putnam Square/Four Corners). It has a mix of preserved 19th‑century buildings along with modern shops, galleries, and cafes. Mount Anthony Union Middle and High School is also within a short driving distance.
- Bennington: This historic village preserves 18th-century architecture and the Bennington Battle Monument as a standout landmark. Residents also enjoy proximity to the Village School of North Bennington and access to Kelly Brush Recreation Area for trails and parks.
- Job Market: Key industries include healthcare, manufacturing, education, retail, and hospitality. Major employers are Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, NSK Steering Systems America, and Bennington College.
- Recreation: You can visit the Bennington Battle Monument (360-ft. obelisk) for panoramic views and museum exhibits, or spend time near Lake Paran. Willow Park has disc golf and an indoor recreation center which features a swimming pool, gymnasium, and fitness classes for adults and seniors.
- Harsh Winters: Below 20°F temperatures in winters make daily commuting, snow removal, and home maintenance a routine burden for residents.
- Sparse Amenities: Bennington lacks large shopping malls and broader retail or dining choices. For major shopping, entertainment, or specialty services, residents visit Albany, NY.
- Isolation Risks: The town’s rural setting creates reliance on a car due to limited public transit.
Rutland offers affordable housing in Vermont. Residents enjoy Green Mountain National Forest, Pine Hill Park’s biking trails, and ski resorts in nearby Killington. Local transit includes The Bus and Amtrak, which enhances accessibility. Meanwhile, the nearest commercial airport is 74 miles away in Albany.
- Center Rutland: The neighborhood is popular due to the presence of eclectic shops along Merchants Row and cultural spots like the Paramount Theatre. Residents also value easy access to Depot Park farmers market and a 20-minute drive to Killington Peak ski lifts.
- Pine Hill Area: The neighborhood has Pine Hill Park’s 16 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails. Residents enjoy nearby outdoor recreation and easy access to downtown Rutland for coffee at Last Cup Cafe or brunch at Speakeasy Cafe.
- Job Market: The employment comes industries like healthcare, manufacturing, utilities, and services. Key employers include Rutland Regional Medical Center, GE Aerospace, Casella Waste Systems, and Green Mountain Power.
- Recreation: If you want to enjoy live performances and exhibits, the Chaffee Art Center and the Paramount Theatre are perfect for you. You can also visit the Rutland Creek Path with a paved multi‑use trail. To get fresh produce or local art, farmers’ markets are set up at Depot Park and Vermont Farmers’ Food Center.
- High Property Taxes: Rutland City’s property tax rate hits 2.15%. Homeowners pay $5,482 annually on a $255,000 medin house. This puts a heavy burden on residents.
- Aging Infrastructure: Rutland’s underground water and sewer system dates back many decades. Potholes are widespread, and water leaks are often reported throughout the year.
- Property Crime Risk: Overall crime rate in Rutland is 101% higher than the national average. The biggest contribution comes from violent crimes, which are 116% higher than the national average.
Randolph has scenic trails like Perkinsville and riverside parks that enhance the outdoor experience. Nearby Gifford Medical Center takes care of your health. Meanwhile, Randolph is also connected to larger cities like Montpelier via I‑89.
- Randolph Center: The neighborhood is close to Vermont Technical College and the National Historic District, with scenic, uncrowded streets. Families appreciate its proximity to Randolph Union High School and nearby hiking and biking trails.
- East Randolph: Gifford Medical Center, near the neighborhood, not only provides care but also offers jobs. The Chandler Center for the Arts is within a short drive. The neighborhood also features Riverside Town Park, which has a disc golf course, tennis courts, and basketball courts.
- West Randolph: Via Route 12A, Gifford Medical Center is just five miles away. This location is also appealing because Randolph National Bank, Harmony Park, and the annual Winter Carnival at Farr’s Hill are all a short drive from the neighborhood.
- Job Market: Gifford Medical Center, Vermont State University’s Randolph campus, LEDynamics, Applied Research Associates, and the Randolph School District are some of the major employers in the city.
- Recreation: Randolph has a 30+ mile Ridgeline Outdoor Collective trail network for hiking, mountain biking, and cross‑country skiing. If you enjoy art, head to Chandler Center for the Arts. Meanwhile, for drinking and dining, Bent Holl Brewery and Oak & Iron are the perfect places.
- Limited Job Diversity: Randolph offers few opportunities in tech, large retail, or professional services. Most jobs are in healthcare, education, the public sector, and small businesses.
- Harsh Winters: Annual snowfall averages around 95 inches, making commutes and outdoor access difficult from December through March. Rural roads can be slower to clear, especially after heavy storms.
- High Property Tax: Vermont state imposes 1.71% property tax. However, the effective local property tax in Randolph is 2.62%, which is significantly higher. Homeowners with a $329,989 median house pays $8,645 annually.
Barre is known as the granite center of the world and lies between the Winooski River valley and the Barre Granite Quarries. It’s 3 hours from Boston via I-89 and about 50 minutes from Burlington. Residents enjoy 1,500 acres of Milestone Trails and a stock car racing track called Thunder Road Speedbowl.
- Barre City Center: This neighborhood lets you live near granite-era buildings like Barre City Hall and the Barre Opera House. You also get close access to Aldrich Public Library, the post office, local cafés, and small retail stores. City Hall Park is also a highlight of the neighborhood, where the Barre Heritage Festival is held.
- Graniteville: This is a part of the Barre Town villages surrounding the city. Residents live near Rock of Ages Quarry and former quarry lands with walking trails. The Granite Museum of Vermont is a short drive away in Barre City. You need to travel to Barre City for big grocery stores, the library, and city offices.
- Job Market: The city’s economy relies on Barre Granite Association (BGA), which includes several companies, such as Adams Granite Company, Inc. That said, other local employers include Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice, Walmart, and Barre Unified Union School District.
- Recreation: Barre Opera House, Hope Cemetery, and Vermont Granite Museum are the main cultural and historical attractions. For stock car racing fans, the Thunder Road Speedbowl track is available. You can do hiking and biking on 1,500 acres of Millstone Trails as well.
- Limited Job Diversity: The economy relies heavily on granite manufacturing and healthcare. As a result, there are a few growth opportunities in other manufacturing fields or tech/IT industries.
- Few Dining/Shopping Options: Walmart/TJ Maxx, and some basic cafés are available in the city. For more dining, retail shopping, and entertainment choices, residents need to travel to big cities like Burlington.
- Harsh Winter: The city suffers from long, cold weather with heavy snowfall around 85–90 inches on average and a seasonal spike in heating costs. Furthermore, frequent snowstorms can disrupt your travel and commute plans.
Northfield is a small, affordable town that connects residents to Montpelier, Barre, and Waterbury through I‑89. The daily life is quiet and car-dependent instead of public transit. Northfield is also home to Norwich University and five historic covered timber bridges, including Northfield Falls.
- Northfield Village: Northfield Village blends 19th-century shops with family homes. You get close access to Northfield Elementary School, Sullivan Museum, and three covered bridges on Cox Brook Road: Northfield Falls, Lower Cox Brook, and Upper Cox Brook.
- Norwich University Area: This neighborhood gives easy access to Norwich University facilities like the Kreitzberg Library. You can send children to nearby local schools like Northfield Middle & High School and enjoy outdoor with the Cox District Trail, where you can run or hike.
- South Village / South Northfield: This quiet neighborhood is a short drive away from local gathering spots like Good Measure Pub & Brewery and 1899 Stony Brook Covered Bridge. Residents also live near Memorial Park fields, which offer playgrounds and soccer fields.
- Job Market: Northfield’s economy mainly relies on Norwich University and the textile manufacturer, Cabot Hosiery Mills. Northfield School District and the town hall also offer local employment in the town.
- Recreation: Northfield has a notable collection of 19th-century covered bridges, like Slaughterhouse (1872) and Northfield Falls (1872). There is also the Sullivan Museum and History Center on Norwich University’s campus displaying military and university artifacts. For golfing, you can visit Northfield Country Club.
- Limited Job Diversity: Jobs are concentrated in education, textiles, and local government. For specialized professionals in IT, manufacturing, finance, or healthcare, career growth is limited.
- Few Retail Amenities: Due to a lack of major retailers, dining, and entertainment options, residents have to travel to big places like South Burlington, which is around 50 minutes drive away.
- Lack of Healthcare Access: Primary care is provided by Northfield Health Center. However, for specialized treatment and 24-hour emergency services, you need to visit Berlin, which is around 8-10 miles away.
You can enjoy parks and trails on Green Mountains or visit the cultural attractions like the Barn Opera and the Brandon Artists Guild. Proximity to Route 7 ensures easy drives to Rutland. Meanwhile Neshobe River provides outdoor recreation activities.
- Forest Dale: The neighborhood is near the 19th-century Forest Dale Iron Furnace. The area is connected to U.S. Route 7, which leads to the Neshobe Elementary School (PreK–6) and nearby town parks like Estabrook Park, which offer walking and biking paths.
- Mt. Pleasant Area: This quiet residential area includes streets like Prospect and Seminary, with easy access to Otter Valley Union High School (grades 7–12). Downtown is only minutes away with shops and local cafés such as Café Provence and Foley Brothers Brewing.
- Fern Lake Area: The neighborhood is established on the outskirts of Brandon, around Fern Lake, which allows boating and kayaking. Nearby Green Mountain National Forest trails for hiking and bird watching. Furthermore, Neshobe Golf Club and Senior Center are within a short drive.
- Job Market: Brandon’s local economy centers on retail, health care, and public services. Key industries include Hannaford, Rite Aid, Omya, Brandon Medical Center, and State of Vermont agencies like the Agency of Transportation (VTrans district maintenance).
- Recreation: Fans of French dining can visit Cafe Provence, while art enthusiasts should head to Brandon Artists Guild. Foley Brothers is a local winery and a popular gathering spot. Furthermore, nearby Branbury State Park on Lake Dunmore offers boating, swimming, and camping.
- Car Dependence: Around 81% residents in Brandon drive alone to work, averaging a 15-30 minute commute. In the city, owning a car for commuting and other travels is preferred due to the poor public transportation system.
- Limited Urban Amenities: Brandon lacks a major hospital, diverse dining options, and nightlife. Residents travel around 50 miles to Burlington for more choices.
- Limited Job Diversity: Employment is concentrated in retail, health care, and social services. High-paying opportunities in tech, finance, and manufacturing are scarce.
Waterford is one of the least populated and most affordable towns to live in Vermont. It is also the only Vermont information center on I-93. Homes for sale in Waterford gives you access to the Connecticut River, Vermont’s last honor‑system library, and historic churches like The Lower Waterford Congregational Church.
- Lower Waterford: The neighborhood has historic buildings with white-painted houses and green shutters. Residents live near the Lower Waterford Congregational Church, which is a local landmark. The location is also close to the Connecticut River and Stiles Pond for fishing and kayaking.
- Waterford Springs: This is a private residential community along the Connecticut River. Residents have access to a private beach and walking trails. There is no public park or school inside the neighborhood. Families send children to Waterford Elementary (Pre-K–8), which is within a short drivable distance.
- West Waterford: This historic hamlet is on the west side of town. Nearby is West View Farm, a historic property with a distinctive round barn. Residents here have easy access to Waterford Elementary School (K‑8) and outdoor recreation like canoeing and ice fishing at Moore Reservoir.
- Job Market: Waterford’s small economy depends on healthcare, agriculture (eg, Lee Farm), and small businesses like Waterford Group Home. Nearby St. Johnsbury Hospital is about 7 miles away and also provides local employment.
- Recreation: Residents enjoy boating and ice fishing on Moore Reservoir and the Connecticut River, with paddling at Duck Pond. Burke Mountain Resort offers downhill and Nordic skiing within a short drive. You can also visit the Fairbanks Museum and local breweries like Whirligig Brewing and Red Barn Brewing.
- Lack of Job Diversity: Local employment relies on agriculture and small care facilities. There is a lack of high-paying jobs, especially in tech, manufacturing, and finance industries.
- Remote Essential Services: Waterford town has no central hospital or major grocery chains in town, requiring people to travel to St. Johnsbury and other cities.
- Limited School Options: Waterford operates only one public school, Waterford Elementary, for PreK-8. Lack of schooling options forces students to travel to St. Johnsbury Academy or Lyndon Institute in other towns and cities.
Brattleboro gives straightforward regional transport via Interstate 91 and an an Amtrak station. It is home to Stone Church, Retreat Farm, and the West River. Furthermore, the town’s economy is anchored by manufacturing and healthcare.
- West Brattleboro: The neighborhood is connected to Interstate 91, which leads to Montpelier and Burlington. Residents send their children to schools like Green Street and Brattleboro Union High. Living Memorial Park and Ice Pond Loop are available for people to hike, fish, ski, and play disc golf.
- Downtown Brattleboro: Residents enjoy proximity to Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and Brooks Memorial Library. The neighborhood is served by Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, which manages several elementary schools.
- Fairview‑Canal‑Maple: Fairview‑Canal‑Maple is a quiet residential neighborhood with easy access to Brattleboro Farmers Market and several schools, including Oak Grove School. Residents also enjoy Living Memorial Park, which is within a short driving distance. The park has hiking trails, an ice rink, and baseball fields.
- Job Market: Brattleboro’s economy depends on the healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors. Key employers include Brattleboro Memorial Hospital, Brattleboro Retreat, School for International Training, G.S. Precision, and Chroma Technology Corp.
- Recreation: You can walk the trails along the Connecticut River at Whetstone Station Waterfront Park. The Creamery Covered Bridge offers scenic paths for a quiet stroll. Visit the historic Stone Church to explore local history. When hunger strikes, stop by Yalla for falafel and pita.
- Rising Crimes: Since 2024, Brattleboro has tried to increase the police presence to reduce crimes. That said, the city’s total daily crimes are around 2.5 times higher than the state average.
- High Poverty Levels: Close to a quarter of the population in the city experiences poverty, which raises questions about governance.
- Distant Commercial Airports: It takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours to drive to reach the nearest commercial airports in Rutland, Bradley, and Burlington.
Pro Tip If you’re looking for outdoor recreation and a mountain lifestyle, Stowe would be a great choice. From Stowe Village and the Mountain Road area, you’ll find a wide range of affordable houses in Stowe with strong rental potential.
Burlington (68.79) and South Burlington (68.35) are the cheapest and safest cities in Vermont. They offer low crime rates, family-friendly neighborhoods, and a lively, welcoming lifestyle.
Top 3 Cheapest Cities to Live in Vermont for Young Adults
When looking for the least expensive city to live in Vermont, you want more than just cheap rent. You want good jobs, a vibrant community, and a town where you can find your true home. These Vermont cities deliver all three, with affordable housing and stable local economies.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Young Adults |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rutland | For young adults, Rutland offers healthcare, retail, and manufacturing jobs. Outside work, nearby ski areas like Pico and Killington offer fun. Homes for sale in Rutland support a lower cost of living, leaving room to spend money at local drinking spots like Hop’n Moose and cultural places like Paramount Theatre. |
| 2. | Barre | Barre offers jobs in public services, retail, and skilled trades. You can access training and certifications like GED prep through the ReSOURCE YouthBuild Barre program. Browse homes for sale in Barre for lower housing costs and enjoy nearby Green Mountain trails for hiking, biking, fishing, or skiing on weekends. |
| 3. | St. Johnsbury | St. Johnsbury’s workforce offers professional and administrative roles in hospitals, schools, and factories. Homes for sale in St. Johnsbury are affordable, letting you enjoy fishing and boating on the Passumpsic River. You can also attend St. J Final Fridays and the Kingdom Maple Festival, or visit the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. |
Top 3 Inexpensive Places to Live in Vermont for Families
Vermont is a favorite among families for its natural beauty, top-rated public schools, and excellent quality of life. These three cities offer safe communities and family-friendly amenities.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Families |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Newport | Homes for sale in Newport give families access to Lake Memphremagog for swimming, boating, and Prouty Beach fun. Kids can bike the Beebe Spur Rail Trail or enjoy Northern Star Cruises with stories of “Memphre,” the lake monster. Local schools include Newport City Elementary and North Country Union High. |
| 2. | Randolph | You can enroll your children in top schools like Randolph Elementary and Randolph Union High. Homes for sale in Randolph give families easy access to youth arts programs at the Chandler Center. Nearby rail trails offer biking, and Silver Lake State Park is ideal for summer swimming and picnics. |
| 3. | Bennington | You can enroll your children at Mount Anthony Union Middle/High and Bennington Elementary. Homes for sale in Bennington are near the Bennington Battle Monument and Robert Frost Trail. Other places for family or religious visits include Trenor Park and Old First Congregational Church. |
3 Best Affordable Places to Live in Vermont for Retirees
Vermont is a great place to retire. These cities have charming communities, excellent healthcare, and scenic beauty. Plus, there are strong senior services and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and exploring local farms and covered bridges.
| Rank | City | Why It’s Great for Retirees |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brattleboro | Homes for sale in Brattleboro put you close to a walkable downtown with farmers markets and Retreat Farm trails for gentle outdoor activity. Brattleboro Retreat offers nearby healthcare. Meanwhile, the Vermont Jazz Center and scenic West River walks keep you engaged without needing a car. |
| 2. | Brandon | Brandon has Brandon Artists Guild exhibits and summer concerts by the Downtown Brandon Alliance. Your healthcare is taken care of by Gifford Medical Center. Meanwhile, homes for sale in Brandon let you have hikes and scenic strolls in Brandon Town Forest or on Otter Valley River trails. |
| 3. | Morrisville | Homes for sale in Morrisville give proximity to North Country Hospital. You can visit local farmers markets for fresh produce or quiet Lamoille River walks for relaxation. The town also features the Lamoille County Historical Society museum, and local snowmobile path trails. |
3 Hidden Costs to Consider in Vermont
Even in the cheapest Vermont cities to live in, home prices are only part of the cost. Vermont has unique expenses that can significantly impact your budget, so factor these in when looking for the most affordable area to live in Vermont.
- Winter Heating Costs: Vermont’s harsh winters drive heating bills significantly higher than the national average. The typical Vermont homeowner spends around $2,400 annually on heating costs.
- State Income Tax: Vermont has a progressive income tax ranging from 3.35% to 8.75%, one of the highest in the nation. Combined with a 6% sales tax, this significantly impacts in-hand pay and purchasing power.
- Property Taxes: Vermont’s average effective property tax rate is 1.71%, with typical homeowners spending $4,692 annually.
Quick Tip Vermont provides income-based property tax credit on the primary residence. The maximum credit limit is $5,600 which combined with $2,400 for the municipal portion brigs total credit amount to be $8000. Remember! The credit is doesn’t apply to second homes or investment properties.
Savings Breakdown: Cheapest Cities in Vermont to Live In
Housing costs vary dramatically across Vermont. Hardwick residents save $5,730 monthly compared to Stowe and $1,756 compared to Burlington. The following table breaks down these savings by median home price, monthly mortgage, property tax, insurance, and total monthly costs.
| City | Median Home Price | Avg. Monthly Mortgage | Insurance/taxes | Estimated Monthly Cost for a Single Person | Monthly Savings vs. Stowe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwick | $279,000 | $1,303 | $1,455 | $2,758 | $5,730 |
| Burlington | $551,600 | $2,541 | $1,973 | $4,514 | $3,974 |
| Stowe | $1,200,000 | $5,603 | $2,885 | $8,488 | – |
Affordable Living Beyond Vermont
Not sure if the cheapest places in Vermont to live will fit your budget? Here are a few surrounding states that offer reliable healthcare, good education, and lower crime rates, just like Vermont.
Reliable Healthcare
Iowa has strong healthcare network 132 hospitals. Furthermore, the Hawkeye State is ranked 4th for ‘Best Healthcare System’ as well. Here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Iowa for good healthcare services.
- Iowa City: The median home price is $260,500, and the median rent is $1,498. The city has nursing institutions like Briarwood Health Care Center and major hospitals like the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
- Davenport: The median home price is $200,500, and the median rent is $900. Davenport’s Genesis Medical Center offers a wide range of care from emergency care to oncology. There are two hospital campuses in Davenport, one in the east and the other in the west.
- Cedar Rapids: The median home price is $192,000, and the median rent is $1,090. The city is home to home to the St. Luke’s (managed by UnityPoint Health), a full-service hospital with advanced care.
Good Education
Minnesota has a robust school system, which features more than 2600 public schools and over 460 private schools. To access these institutions, here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in Minnesota:
- Duluth: The median home price is $290,000, and the median rent is $1,717. Home to the University of Minnesota Duluth, a public university known for teacher preparation, engineering, and STEM programs.
- St. Cloud: The median home price is $257,450, and the median rent is $1,162. St. Cloud Area School District (ISD 742) works with St. Cloud State University for teacher training and enrichment. This collaboration offers 20+ AP courses.
- Mankato: The median home price is $300,000, and the median rent is $1,405. The city features Minnesota State University. Meanwhile, Mankato Area Public Schools has around 7,800 students from preschool to high school.
Low Crime Rates
New Hampshire consistently ranks higher in safety rankings for US states. Here are the top 3 cheapest places to live in New Hampshire with minimal crime rates:
- Concord: The median home price is $432,906, and the median rent is $1,750. Concord is safer than all US cities by 62%.
- Meredith: The median home price is $699,000 and the median rent is $2000. 103 violent crimes per 100K people makes city a safer place to live.
- Londonderry: The median home price is $547,000, and the median rent is $2,481. The city’s total crime rate is 77% lower than the national average.
Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Vermont?
Hardwick, Newport, and Bennington are some of the cheapest cities to live in Vermont. These areas offer more than low prices; they also provide steady job markets, plenty of recreation, and poverty rates lower than the national average.
Moving to Vermont also offers valuable tax advantages, with property taxes averaging at 1.71%. Whether you’re relocating or buying your first home, you can browse listings, compare prices, and make offers online.
