Manhattan vs Burlington
Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Manhattan
Burlington
💡 The Verdict
50% cheaper
Burlington is 50% more affordable than Manhattan. A $75,000 salary in Manhattan is equivalent to $37,660 in Burlington.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
💰 Salary Equivalence
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New York salaries · Vermont salaries
Living in Manhattan vs Burlington
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Manhattan has a housing index of 421 while Burlington sits at 139 (national average = 100). The median home in Manhattan costs $1,150,000 compared to $380,000 in Burlington, a difference of $770,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $4,200 in Manhattan versus $1,800 in Burlington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Manhattan scores 115 while Burlington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Manhattan (112) are lower than Burlington (116).
Median household income in Manhattan is $93,651 compared to $51,098 in Burlington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Burlington.
Relocating: Manhattan vs Burlington
If you are considering a move between Manhattan (index: 235) and Burlington (index: 118), the 50% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Burlington is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.
Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Manhattan can afford $2,185/month, while the median household in Burlington can afford $1,192/month. With median homes at $1,150,000 in Manhattan versus $380,000 in Burlington, the higher-cost city presents significant affordability challenges.
Renting vs buying: At $4,200/month in Manhattan and $1,800/month in Burlington, renters save significantly in Burlington. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.
Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes significantly further in Burlington. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
Reading These Numbers: Manhattan (235) vs Burlington (118)
The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Manhattan at 235 is 135% above the US average, while Burlington at 118 is 18% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.
For renters: With median rents of $4,200/month in Manhattan and $1,800/month in Burlington, the annual rent difference is approximately $28,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $144,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $770,000 difference in median home prices between Manhattan and Burlington translates to roughly $46,200 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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