Skyline of South Burlington
Cost of Living: 108 20,000

South Burlington, VT, US

Champlain Valley city with the Vermont National Guard and excellent schools.

Updated September 12, 2026

Overview

South Burlington is a city in VT with a population of 20,000. Champlain Valley city with the Vermont National Guard and excellent schools. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Last updated: September 12, 2026

Cost of Living 108

Above Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 115

Above Average

Median Income $62,000

Household income

Unemployment 2.8%

Job market health

South Burlington vs US Average

Cost of Living
South Burlington: 108
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
South Burlington: 115
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
South Burlington: 6.6%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.6%
  • Sales Tax: 6.0%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $62,000
  • Unemployment: 2.8%
  • Population: 20,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 160/year
  • Summer High: 80°F
  • Winter Low: 15°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a

Housing

  • Median Home: $380,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1400/mo

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Cost of Living

South Burlington's cost of living index is 108 (US average = 100).

CategorySouth BurlingtonNational AverageDifference
Overall108100+8.0%
Housing115100+15.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$380,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1400/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,750/mo
Price per Sq Ft$253

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in South Burlington:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$166Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$153Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$65Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$75Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$459Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

South Burlington scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
108
Rent
$1400
Sunny Days
160
Tax
6.6%
Unemployment
2.8%
Climate
80°F / 15°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
20,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

South Burlington has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January35°F15°F2.5"
April65°F30°F2.8"
July80°F55°F1.5"
October60°F33°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5a

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

South Burlington faces the following natural hazards:

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Flood Moderate Risk

River and flash floods.

Avalanche Moderate Risk

Green Mountains with avalanches.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 6.6%
  • Sales Tax: 6%
  • Property Tax: ~1.98% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.

Schools & Education

Total Schools

Academic Schedule

School Hours 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Academic Year September to June
Term System Semester — Fall (Aug-Dec), Spring (Jan-May/June)
Summer Break Mid-June to September (12 weeks)
Winter Break Late December to early January (2 weeks)
Spring Break March or April (1 week)

State mandates 180 school days.

Demographics

The population of South Burlington is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.

Ethnicity

Asian
8.7%
Black or African American
1.6%
Hispanic or Latino
3.5%
Native American
0.4%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander
0.1%
Other
0.4%
Two or more races
4.5%
White
80.9%

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher
65.1%
High school graduate
13.9%
Less than high school
1.7%
Some college
19.4%

Religion

Christian
55.0%
Other
8.0%
Unaffiliated
37.0%

Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in South Burlington, VT, US?

The cost of living index in South Burlington is 108, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in South Burlington?

The median home price in South Burlington is $380,000. The housing index is 115.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in South Burlington is approximately $1400/mo.

Does South Burlington, VT have income tax?

South Burlington is in VT, which has an income tax rate of 6.6%.

What is the climate like in South Burlington?

South Burlington enjoys approximately 160 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 80°F, while winter lows can drop to around 15°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.