Connecticut vs Vermont (Living Comparison)

If you’re wondering whether it’s better to move to Connecticut or Vermont, you’re in luck. I recently did some research on all the New England states to find out which one is the best.

In this article, I’ll cover some of the basics of both Vermont and Connecticut, including the cost of living, the difference in climate, the tax situation, and what there is to do for fun in each state.

Cost of Living: Connecticut vs Vermont

Both Connecticut and Vermont require you to run your air conditioning in the summer and your heater in the winter, making them some of the most expensive states to live in. However, Connecticut is a bit more expensive than Vermont.

Utilities, health care costs, and groceries cost about the same prices, but housing is much more expensive in CT. In fact, the median home prices in Connecticut are about $30,000 higher than in Vermont. The cost of transportation is more expensive too.

Taxes: CT vs VT

Now let’s talk about taxes. Vermont has a higher income tax rate, which ranges from 3.35% to 8.75%. Connecticut’s state income tax is only 3% to 6.99%. But that’s not the whole story.

Although Vermont has a higher state income tax than Connecticut, the overall tax burden in CT is much higher. Once you factor in the local taxes, like real estate, vehicle property, and sales tax, Vermont’s effective tax rate is about 12%, while Connecticut’s is about 15%.

This is mainly due to the vehicle taxes in Connecticut, which are some of the highest in the United States. Vermont has the lowest vehicle property tax rate in the county, at a grand total of 0%.

Weather: VT vs CT

Both Vermont and Connecticut are located in New England, so you can expect warm summers (about 80°F) colder winters (about 15°F), and mild spring and fall seasons (about 60°F). As a whole, VT is about 5°F colder than CT at any given point in time.

The main difference in weather between the two states is the amount of snow they get. Vermont has some of the harshest winters in the country, with snow accumulation totaling an average of 90 inches a year. Connecticut only receives about 37 inches of snow per year.

The snowmelt in the spring brings a pretty intense muddy season in Vermont as well. This really isn’t an issue in Connecticut. Plus, the roads in Connecticut are much more developed.

Entertainment: Vermont vs Connecticut

It’s hard to claim that Vermont and Connecticut are entertainment hubs. However, both states are known for their excellent outdoor recreation.

You can do things like skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, hiking, kayaking, biking, and rock climbing. It’s pretty clear that the snow sports are better in Vermont since they have more open land and better mountains, but those same activities are available in CT.

Although Vermont has the beautiful Lake Champlain, it can’t compete with the beaches in Connecticut. Sailing is also popular in CT, while it’s non-existent in VT since it doesn’t connect to the ocean.

If you do care about nightlife and restaurants, it’s pretty clear that Connecticut is the better choice. Connecticut has a number of excellent nightclubs, bars, and casinos in the southern part of the state. Plus, CT isn’t too far from New York City.

Neither Vermont nor Connecticut has any major professional sports team (although Vermont should have a hockey team), but the states make up for it with their great breweries and wineries.

Other Differences

Aside from the colder winters and lack of entertainment, there are a few other things that set Vermont apart from Connecticut. Here are a few notable differences:

Connecticut’s population is 5 times larger than Vermont’s even though the land mass is nearly double.
The economy in Connecticut is a little bit better.
Vermont has a much more rural feel, while Connecticut is more suburban.
There is much more wildlife in Vermont.
Vermont’s largest cities don’t even have 50,000 people.
Connecticut has better school systems by most metrics.

Which State is Better to Live in? – Final Thoughts

Connecticut vs Vermont, where should you live? Vermont is certainly the cheaper place to live, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

If you want to live out closer to nature where you’re neighbors won’t bother you, Vermont is the better choice. Just be prepared for less frequent social interactions and tougher weather conditions.

Connecticut is the better choice if you’re looking to get out of the city, but still want to be around other people. It’s also a better choice if you have kids since there are more education options available.