Manageable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in South Burlington?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Burlington, you need to earn at least $81,200/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $90,410, which means the typical resident is $9,210 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 20,241

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,421	$4,737	$56,840	$-33,570
1 Bedroom	$1,685	$5,617	$67,400	$-23,010
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,030	$6,767	$81,200	$-9,210
3 Bedroom	$2,477	$8,257	$99,080	+$8,670
4 Bedroom	$3,045	$10,150	$121,800	+$31,390

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above South Burlington's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$90,410

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$81,200

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$9,210

Surplus

Verdict

Manageable

Ratio: 26.9%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in South Burlington

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with South Burlington's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,260

Studio

$1,421/mo

1 BR

$1,685/mo

2 BR

$2,030/mo

3 BR

$2,477/mo

4 BR

$3,045/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in South Burlington.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for South Burlington's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to South Burlington

Renting in South Burlington, Vermont is doable for median earners, but tight. A 2-bedroom requires roughly $81,200/year under the 30% rule, and with a median income of $90,410, residents are operating close to the threshold.

Downsizing to a 1-bedroom ($1,685/month) or studio ($1,421/month) materially improves the math. For those needing more space, a 3-bedroom in South Burlington pushes the required income to $99,080.

For comfortable living in South Burlington without financial stress, target a household income of at least $121,800 — this accounts for rent being approximately 30% of take-home pay while leaving adequate room for Vermont's cost of living.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in South Burlington, Vermont.

With a total population of 20,241, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 11,895 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $81,200 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

11,895

Active civilian employees in South Burlington

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in South Burlington

What salary do I need to live in South Burlington, Vermont?

To afford a 2-bedroom in South Burlington under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $81,200. The median household income in South Burlington is $90,410.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in South Burlington on $90,410?

The affordability verdict for South Burlington is "Manageable". The rent-to-income ratio is 26.9%, meaning median earners have a $9,210 surplus.

What is the average rent in South Burlington compared to median income?

The median gross rent in South Burlington is $1,685/month. With a median household income of $90,410, residents spend approximately 26.9% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in South Burlington?

A studio in South Burlington rents for approximately $1,421/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $56,840 to afford this.

Is South Burlington considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $9,210 and an affordability verdict of "Manageable", South Burlington is considered a manageable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $81,200 to the local median household income.

How South Burlington Compares

Other cities in Vermont with salary requirements