True Cost of Renting in Burlington, VT
Burlington is Vermont's most vibrant city and home to the University of Vermont (UVM) and Burlington College. Church Street Marketplace is one of the Northeast's best pedestrian malls. Lake Champlain provides extraordinary recreational access. Green Mountain Power provides electricity. Vermont's overall cost of living is high despite moderate rents, due to heating costs, property taxes embedded in rents, and Vermont's higher income tax.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Old North End
- Studio:
- $1,300/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,300/mo
Burlington's most diverse and walkable neighborhood north of downtown; affordable by Vermont standards. Green Mountain Power electric. Vibrant arts scene and independent restaurants. Walk to downtown Church Street and the waterfront. Strong Latino and refugee community.
South End / Burlington Arts District
- Studio:
- $1,200/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,500/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,200/mo
Burlington's converted industrial arts district; paint-your-own pottery studios, breweries, and light manufacturing alongside apartments. Near Burlington International Airport. Mix of older buildings and some new construction. Bike path to downtown along the Winooski River.
Hill Section / University District
- Studio:
- $1,400/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $2,500/mo
UVM campus-adjacent neighborhood; high student demand creates August turnover competition. Walk to medical center (UVM Medical Center, the largest employer in Vermont). Higher demand from medical and university personnel.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Green Mountain Power (GMP)
- Water
- City of Burlington Department of Public Works
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, Consolidated Communications, Burlington Telecom
Commute & Transportation
Burlington has no rail transit and limited transit options overall. Green Transit bus serves the Burlington area. I-89 connects Burlington to Montreal (100 miles north, 1.5 hours) and I-93/Boston (220 miles, 3.5 hours). Amtrak's Vermonter stops in Essex Junction (8 miles east) for service to New York and Washington (6+ hours). Burlington International Airport (BTV) provides regional air service. Major employers: UVM Medical Center (7,000+), University of Vermont (4,000+), GlobalFoundries (semiconductor manufacturing in Essex Junction), and state government.
Rental Market Overview
Burlington has the lowest vacancy rate in Vermont and is chronically undersupplied relative to demand. Green Mountain Power provides some of New England's cleaner energy mix but rates are above average. Vermont's income tax (up to 8.75% on high income, 6.6% on moderate income) is significantly higher than NH but lower than Massachusetts. Heating is the major winter cost — oil, propane, or natural gas heat can add $300–500/month in January–February in older buildings. Renters insurance averages $14–20/month. The September UVM move-in creates intense competition for quality units.
Data last updated: 2026-04
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