Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Burlington and Rutland, Vermont. Using Vermont's 1.9% property tax rate and $1,100/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Rutland is significantly more affordable than Burlington, with homes priced 45% lower on average. That translates to $1,453/month in savings on your total housing payment. For budget-conscious buyers in Vermont, Rutland offers a much more accessible path to homeownership.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Vermont's 1.9% property tax rate.
Buying in Rutland saves you approximately $1,453/month ($17,436/year) compared to Burlington, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Rutland is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $235K versus $425K in Burlington. That's $190K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $8K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Rutland, compared to $15K in Burlington. Vermont offers the VHFA MOVE Mortgage program ($5K–$15K DPA) which applies in both cities.
Rutland has the better price-to-rent ratio at 17.0x versus 20.2x in Burlington. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Rutland is $1,150/month on a $235K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Burlington (pop. 44,743) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Rutland (pop. 16,495) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Families on a budget may prefer Rutland, where lower housing costs free up more income for childcare, education, and savings.