Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
29% cheaper
Burlington is 29% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $53,313 in Burlington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $470,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Burlington scores 108 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Los Angeles (103).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Burlington.
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