Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from California to Vermont

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

VT state flag
Moving to

Vermont

Capital: Montpelier

Median household income $74,014 · winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days

Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

Vermont has an overall price level 98.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Vermont
98.0
Vermont has 12% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Vermont
86.5
Vermont has 44% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
Vermont
99.5
Vermont has 3.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Vermont
99.7
Vermont has 1.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
Vermont
24.1 ¢/kWh
Vermont has 28% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Vermont
99.6
Vermont has 2.5% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Vermont
$352,800
Vermont is 54% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
Vermont
$1,089/mo
Vermont is 41% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 80°F · Winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Vermont
80°F
Vermont is 4.8% less summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Vermont
9°F
Vermont is 80% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Vermont
43°F
Vermont is 27% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Vermont
152
Vermont has 41% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Vermont
45 in
Vermont is 75% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
California
68
Vermont
42
Vermont has 38% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
Vermont
90 in
Vermont is 463% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaVermont report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Vermont than California?

Vermont's overall price level is roughly 99.3 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Vermont tops out at 8.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Vermont?

Most Vermont residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons