Vermont
113
composite · rank #40
- Housing
- 127.5
- Grocery
- 99.6
- Utilities
- 112
Compare different states
Q1 2026
Q1 2026Vermont vs Washington Cost of Living
Vermont has the lower cost of living by 1.6 index points. Compare category indexes and equivalent salaries in both directions.
By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2026
Lower cost of living
Vermont is lower
1.6 index points lower. A $100,000 lifestyle in Washington is roughly $98,604 in Vermont.
Side-by-side cost of living scoreboard
Washington
114.6
composite · rank #42
- Housing
- 123.1
- Grocery
- 106.1
- Utilities
- 99.4
Category-by-category comparison
| Category | Vermont | Washington | Lower cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grocery | 99.6 | 106.1 | Vermont |
| Housing | 127.5 | 123.1 | Washington |
| Utilities | 112 | 99.4 | Washington |
| Transportation | 109 | 131.2 | Vermont |
| Health care | 108.2 | 110.3 | Vermont |
| Misc. goods & services | 108.2 | 111 | Vermont |
Grocery
Vermont99.6
Washington106.1
Lower cost: Vermont
Housing
Vermont127.5
Washington123.1
Lower cost: Washington
Utilities
Vermont112
Washington99.4
Lower cost: Washington
Transportation
Vermont109
Washington131.2
Lower cost: Vermont
Health care
Vermont108.2
Washington110.3
Lower cost: Vermont
Misc. goods & services
Vermont108.2
Washington111
Lower cost: Vermont
Equivalent salary examples
Salary needed in the destination state to match purchasing power in the origin state.
| Origin salary | Needed in Washington | Needed in Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,708 | $49,302 |
| $75,000 | $76,062 | $73,953 |
| $100,000 | $101,416 | $98,604 |
| $150,000 | $152,124 | $147,906 |
| $250,000 | $253,540 | $246,510 |
$50,000 origin salary
In Washington$50,708
In Vermont$49,302
$75,000 origin salary
In Washington$76,062
In Vermont$73,953
$100,000 origin salary
In Washington$101,416
In Vermont$98,604
$150,000 origin salary
In Washington$152,124
In Vermont$147,906
Housing gap
Vermont housing is 127.5; Washington is 123.1.
Salary planning
$100,000 in Vermont is roughly $101,416 in Washington.
Statewide averages
Indexes average participating urban areas. Local rents and wages can differ sharply inside either state.
Vermont vs Washington cost of living FAQs
Vermont has the lower cost of living by 1.6 index points. The composite indexes are 113 in Vermont and 114.6 in Washington (US average = 100).
About $101,416 in Washington would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Vermont, based on the composite indexes.
About $98,604 in Vermont would provide similar statewide purchasing power to $100,000 in Washington.
Housing indexes are 127.5 in Vermont and 123.1 in Washington. Housing is often the largest driver, but groceries, utilities, transportation, health care, and other goods also matter.
No. These are statewide averages of participating urban areas. Your city, neighborhood, housing choice, family size, and spending mix can produce a very different personal cost of living.
Vermont has the lower average index, but wages, taxes, insurance, schools, and job opportunities should also be compared.
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Composite index, category costs, and equivalent-salary examples.
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Data period Q1 2026. Statewide urban-area averages; not personal budget calculations.