True Cost of Renting in Montpelier, VT
Montpelier is the smallest state capital in the United States by population (approximately 8,000 residents) and genuinely one of the most charming small cities in New England. The Vermont State House is the architectural centerpiece. State government and healthcare are the primary employers. Green Mountain Power provides electricity.
Neighborhoods & Average Rents
Downtown / State Street
- Studio:
- $1,100/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,400/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,900/mo
Vermont's walkable capital; bookstores, food co-op, and restaurants on State Street. Green Mountain Power electric. Very limited rental inventory in this small city. Walk to state government employment. Amtrak Vermonter stops in Montpelier Junction (3 miles east).
Berlin / East Montpelier
- 1 Bed:
- $1,200/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,700/mo
Adjacent towns with more apartment inventory; Berlin has the Barre-Montpelier Road commercial corridor. Car required. Lower rents than downtown Montpelier. I-89 access.
Barre (adjacent city)
- Studio:
- $900/mo
- 1 Bed:
- $1,100/mo
- 2 Bed:
- $1,600/mo
Larger adjacent city 8 miles south; Vermont's granite industry center. More rental inventory than Montpelier. Green Mountain Power electric. Central Vermont Medical Center nearby. Short commute to Montpelier state government by Route 302.
Utility Providers
- Electric
- Green Mountain Power (GMP)
- Water
- City of Montpelier Water Department
- Internet
- Comcast Xfinity, Consolidated Communications, VTel Wireless
Commute & Transportation
Montpelier is served by Green Mountain Transit buses and Amtrak Vermonter (at Montpelier Junction). I-89 connects to Burlington (40 miles north, 45 minutes) and White River Junction (30 miles south). Most Montpelier residents drive. State government employs a significant portion of Central Vermont's workforce. Central Vermont Medical Center (Barre) is the largest non-government employer.
Rental Market Overview
Montpelier's rental inventory is tiny — the smallest US state capital has correspondingly few rental units. Green Mountain Power rates are above national average. Heating costs in Vermont winters are significant. The charm and walkability of downtown Montpelier is exceptional for its size, driving premium pricing. Vermont's local land use planning (Act 250) has historically limited new housing development, contributing to supply constraints statewide. Renters insurance averages $13–17/month.
Data last updated: 2026-04
Compare Apartments in Montpelier
Enter your rental options below to see the true all-in monthly cost.