Vermont attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable healthcare, cheap transport, and low crime rate. You can’t go wrong with the Green Mountain State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $400,000. Newport’s cost of living is 12.4% lower than the national average, and Rutland is 9.9% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Brattleboro’s friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $325K. Meanwhile, Hardwick offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $251,269.
Cheapest Places to Live in Vermont in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in Vermont. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Home Value | Median House Rent | Cost of Living Compared to National Average | Median Household Income | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bennington | $231,843 | $1,250 | 5.8% lower ⬇️ | $53,839 | 15,200 |
| 2. Newport | $245,017 | $1,895 | 12.4% lower ⬇️ | $72,656 | 4,336 |
| 3. Rutland | $258,267 | $1,450 | 9.9% lower ⬇️ | $55,000 | 15,630 |
| 4. Hardwick | $251,269 | $1,150 | 11.5% lower ⬇️ | $66,075 | 2,975 |
| 5. Barre | $296,046 | $1,325 | 1.1% lower ⬇️ | $53,288 | 8,037 |
| 6. Northfield | $308,009 | $975 | 1.1% lower ⬇️ | $79,853 | 5,935 |
| 7. Brattleboro | $325,905 | $1,950 | 0.3% lower ⬇️ | $46,972 | 12,110 |
| 8. Brandon | $289,808 | $900 | 9.9% lower ⬇️ | $64,778 | 4,106 |
| 9. Randolph | $325,225 | $895 | 9.9% lower ⬇️ | $77,328 | 4,849 |
| 10. Waterford | $360,016 | $1,550 | 11.5% lower ⬇️ | $66,075 | 1,295 |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in Vermont
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Green Mountain State:
#1 Bennington
- Median house rent is $1,250 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Bennington is $231,843.
- Cost of living in Bennington is 5.8% cheaper than the national average.
Bennington offers transportation 35.6% cheaper than the US median. It is also home to Bennington College, a progressive liberal arts institution. The town boasts historical landmarks like the Bennington Battle Monument, a pivotal Revolutionary War battle. You can also enjoy the nearby Green Mountains and state parks, offering hiking and recreational activities.
» Bennington Homes for Sale: Find your dream home in this city.
#2 Newport
- Median house rent is $1,895 | Rental prices range between $1,895 and $2,000.
- Median home value of Newport is $245,017.
- Cost of living in Newport is 12.4% cheaper than the national average.
Newport boasts housing costs that are 41.4% lower than the national average, making it an excellent option for families to buy a home. The city also features stunning views of Lake Memphremagog, adding to its charm. For art lovers, Newport is home to the scenic Bike Path and the MAC Center for the Arts, fostering a vibrant arts community.
» Newport Homes for Sale: Explore cheap houses for sale in Vermont.
#3 Rutland
- Median house rent is $1,450 | Rental prices range between $950 and $5,000.
- Median home value of Rutland is $258,267.
- Cost of living in Rutland is 9.9% cheaper than the national average.
Rutland is renowned for its historic Paramount Theatre, which showcases various performances. The city is also home to educational institutions like the College of St. Joseph and a campus of the Community College of Vermont. The Rutland Area Farm & Food Link provides a chance to experience the local agricultural scene.
» Rutland Homes for Sale: Discover affordable housing in Vermont.
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#4 Hardwick
- Median house rent is $1,150.
- Median home value of Hardwick is $251,269.
- Cost of living in Hardwick is 11.5% cheaper than the national average.
Hardwick is home to the Center for an Agricultural Economy, which has major companies such as Vermont Food Venture Center and Yellow Barn. Outdoor attractions include the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, suitable for biking and hiking. Hardwick’s crime rate is 13.9 lower than the national average of 22.7, which makes it ideal and safe for families.
» Hardwick Homes for Sale: Find homes in one of the most affordable cities in Vermont.
Use a Vermont Cost of Living Calculator to compare housing, utilities, and transportation costs. Get a detailed cost breakdown across affordable cities for free💲.
#5 Barre
- Median house rent is $1,325 | Rental prices range between $1,050 and $2,600.
- Median home value of Barre is $296,046.
- Cost of living in Barre is 1.1% cheaper than the national average.
Barre, known as the “Granite Center of the World,” has a rich history in granite quarrying and craftsmanship. The downtown area features Studio Place Arts, supporting local artists. For a cozy coffee break or a sweet treat, the Coffee Corner and the Sweet Spot Bakery are beloved local spots.
» Barre Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in this Scary Barre City.
#6 Northfield
- Median house rent is $975 | Rental prices range between $975 and $2,600.
- Median home value of Northfield is $308,009.
- Cost of living in Northfield is 1.1% cheaper than the national average.
Northfield is home to Norwich University, the oldest private military college, ideal for young adults. The city also hosts events like The Northfield Winter Carnival showcasing winter sports, ice skating, and family-friendly activities. For dining options, Northfield hosts several establishments like the Main Street Grill and the Northfield Café.
» Northfield, Homes for Sale: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in Vermont.
#7 Brattleboro
- Median house rent is $1,950 | Rental prices range between $515 and $2,550.
- Median home value of Brattleboro is $325,905.
- Cost of living in Brattleboro is 0.3% cheaper than the national average.
You can comfortably live in Brattleboro, with an average household income of $46,972. The city boasts vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and the annual Brattleboro Literary Festival. The town is home to the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center and offers outdoor activities along the Connecticut River. Top employers are Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Community College of Vermont.
» Brattleboro Homes for Sale: Buy affordable places to retire in Vermont.
#8 Brandon
- Median house rent is $900.
- Median home value of Brandon is $289,808.
- Cost of living in Brandon is 9.9% cheaper than the national average.
Transportation expenses in Brandon are 27.2% lower than the national average. The scenic Neshobe River Park offers great opportunities for hiking and picnicking. Local culture thrives at the Brandon Town Hall, which hosts art shows, concerts, and plays. For dining, Café Provence offers French-inspired cuisine, while Brandon House of Pizza is a casual spot for pizzas and subs.
» Brandon Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.
#9 Randolph
- Median house rent is $895 | Rental prices range between $600 and $1,245.
- Median home value of Randolph is $325,225.
- Cost of living in Randolph is 9.9% cheaper than the national average.
Randolph hosts a campus of Vermont State University, offering a range of technical and professional programs. The Chandler Center for the Arts serves as a cultural hub, hosting performances and exhibitions here. Major employers include Gifford Medical Center with ample job opportunities for professionals.
» Randolph Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.
#10 Waterford
- Median house rent is $1,550.
- Median home value of Waterford is $360,016.
- Cost of living in Waterford is 11.5% cheaper than the national average.
Waterford is a charming small town known for its lovely attractions, including Waterford State Park, which offers hiking trails, and picnic spots. While there are no large universities in Waterford itself, nearby Lyndon features Northern Vermont University. Additionally, Northeast Kingdom Human Services plays a crucial role in healthcare and social services.
» Waterford Homes for Sale: Get yourself a home in this city.
So, Where Is the Cheapest Place to Live in Vermont?
You will find cheap houses for sale in Vermont under 200K in cities like Bennington, Rutland, and Northfield. They offer stable job opportunities, and the cost of living is more affordable than other Vermont cities.
Cities like Newport and Hardwick have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with Vermont’s most accurate home value estimator.
📢 Browse Cheap Houses for Sale in Vermont
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in VT.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in Vermont, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest place to live in Vermont?
The cheapest place to live in Vermont is Bennington. It offers affordable housing, which is 41% cheaper than the national average.
» 7 Cheapest Places to Live in Vermont: Find out the other cheapest places to live in Vermont.
Is Vermont cheap to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $388,745. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
Where is the best place to live in Vermont?
The best place to live in Vermont is Norwich, followed by Burlington, Charlotte, Shelburne, Middlebury, Montpelier, and Stowe.
Which Vermont city has the lowest cost of living?
Newport has the lowest cost of living, which is 12.4% and 13.1% lower than the national and state average, respectively.
