Burlington, Vermont combines small-city charm with natural beauty along the shores of Lake Champlain. The heart of downtown features Church Street Marketplace, a four-block pedestrian mall where local shops and restaurants create an inviting atmosphere throughout the year. The Burlington Bike Path traces the waterfront and connects to the Island Line Trail, extending into Lake Champlain on a historic railroad causeway. The rental market reflects strong demand, with current average rents ranging from $1,752 for studios to $2,068 for one-bedroom apartments, while larger units can command up to $3,417 for four bedrooms. The Hill Section stands out with its historic architecture and tree-lined streets near Champlain College, while the South End district features renovated industrial spaces housing galleries and studios.
Burlington serves as home to the University of Vermont and the UVM Medical Center. The Old North End neighborhood preserves the city's cultural heritage, including the historic Little Jerusalem district. Residents enjoy access to waterfront paths, beaches, and parks, including the popular Waterfront Park and North Beach. The city demonstrates environmental leadership through its renewable energy initiatives, and the local food scene emphasizes connections to Vermont farms and producers. The original Ben & Jerry's scoop shop on Cherry Street marks the spot where the famous ice cream company began in 1978. From summer festivals at Waterfront Park to the year-round farmers' market in City Hall Park, Burlington offers recreational opportunities across all seasons.
A "Burlington" sign on a sidewalk in Downtown Burlington.
An aerial view of the Old North End neighborhood in Burlington, VT.
Battery Park in Burlington is a 14 acre historic park offering stunning views of Lake Champlain.
As of December 2025, the average apartment rent in Burlington, VT is $1,700 for a studio, $2,070 for one bedroom, $1,615 for two bedrooms, and $1,471 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Burlington has decreased by -0.6% in the past year.
The cost of living in Burlington, VT is 13.6% higher than the national average. Generally, housing in Burlington is 29.9% more expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $1,471 - $2,070. You can expect to pay 5.3% more for groceries, 13.3% more for utilities, and 2.2% less for transportation.
Open to exploring your options? Discover great cities in Vermont with our detailed guide.
Very Walkable
out of 100 WalkScore® Rating
If you enjoy walking, you’ll enjoy renting in this area! It’s a very walkable neighborhood.
Some Transit
out of 100 TransitScore® Rating
You'll likely want a car when living in this area since it has few transit options.
Very Bikeable
out of 100 BikeScore® Rating
This area is very bikeable. You’ll find a variety of bike paths and lanes.
Public
Grades PK-5
548 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
228 Students
Sustainability Academy At Lawrence Barnes
Public
Grades PK-5
191 Students
Public
Grades PK-5
242 Students
Integrated Arts Academy At H. O. Wheeler
Public
Grades PK-5
248 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
365 Students
Public
Grades 6-8
337 Students
Public
Grades 9-12
987 Students
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† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.
Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.
Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.
