Burlington vs Los Angeles

Category / Metric	Burlington	Los Angeles
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,854	$79,701
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	5.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$551,600	$1,002,500
Price per SqFt	$342	$616
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,441	$2,006
Housing Cost Index	101.7	173.0
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	107.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.98
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	732.5
Bachelor's Degree+	60.5%	39.2%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	52

Los Angeles vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing between Los Angeles and Burlington is like choosing between a blockbuster movie and an indie film festival. One is a world-famous, high-stakes, high-reward spectacle; the other is a charming, intimate, and grounded experience. It’s a classic clash of "The Big City Dream" vs. "The Quality of Life Winner."

As your relocation expert, I’ve crunched the numbers and lived the vibes. Let’s cut through the noise and figure out which one is your actual match—not just the one that looks better on Instagram.

The Vibe Check: Culture, Pace, and Who It's For

Los Angeles is a sprawling, sun-drenched beast of a city. It’s not just a place; it’s an industry, an ambition, and a lifestyle. The culture here is defined by hustle, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of the next big thing. From Hollywood dreams to Silicon Beach tech startups, LA runs on ambition and caffeine. The vibe is fast-paced, trend-driven, and incredibly diverse. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene, and beaches that span miles. It’s for the go-getter—the actor, the entrepreneur, the executive, the creative who wants to be where the action is.

Burlington, on the other hand, is the picture of New England charm. Nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain, it’s a small, progressive, and deeply community-oriented city. The vibe here is laid-back, intellectual, and outdoorsy. Life revolves around the local farmers' market, the university, hiking the nearby Green Mountains, and cozying up in a local café. It’s a city of four distinct, beautiful seasons, where the pace is deliberate, and people actually know their neighbors. It’s for the balance-seeker—the professional who values community, nature, and a slower, more intentional pace of life.

The Verdict:

• If you crave the spotlight, endless options, and a city that never sleeps, LA is your stage.
• If you want a tight-knit community, four real seasons, and a life where work doesn't dominate your identity, Burlington is your sanctuary.

The Dollar Power: Cost of Living & Salary Wars

This is where the rubber meets the road. Sticker shock is a real thing, and the data doesn’t lie.

Cost of Living Breakdown

Expense Category	Los Angeles (Avg.)	Burlington (Avg.)	The Winner
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$1,441	Burlington
Utilities (Monthly)	$200 - $300	$250 - $350	Los Angeles
Groceries	+25% above nat'l avg	+10% above nat'l avg	Burlington
Housing Index	173.0	101.7	Burlington

Let's Talk Purchasing Power:
Take a $100,000 salary. In Burlington, you're earning 13% more than the median income ($68,854). Your money goes significantly further. A $551,600 home is expensive but within the realm of possibility for a dual-income household with good savings.

In Los Angeles, a $100,000 salary is actually 25% below the median home price of $1,002,500. You’re earning more than the median income, but you’re priced out of the median home market. Your paycheck gets devoured by rent, taxes, and the general cost of doing business. California has a high state income tax (up to 13.3%), while Vermont's is a more moderate 3.35% - 8.75%.

The Verdict: Burlington is the undisputed champion for bang for your buck. Your salary feels like a real salary, not just "rent and groceries money." LA demands a much higher income to maintain a comparable standard of living.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Los Angeles: The Perpetual Seller's Market.
Buying in LA is a high-stakes game. With a median home price over $1 million, you need a massive down payment and a high income. The market is fiercely competitive; cash offers often win out. Renting is the default for most, but with a median 1BR at $2,006, it’s a significant financial drain. Availability is tight, and you’re often paying a premium for a modest space.

Burlington: A Competitive Buyer's Market with Options.
Burlington’s market is hot by Vermont standards, but it’s a different universe. A median home price of $551,600 is steep for the region but much more accessible. The market is competitive, especially for single-family homes, but you have more leverage than in LA. Renting is more affordable ($1,441), and the inventory, while limited, isn’t as draconian. You get more space for your money.

The Verdict: Burlington wins for accessibility. While still expensive, the path to homeownership is clearer. In LA, buying is a luxury for the wealthy or the extremely disciplined.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Los Angeles: Legendary. The average commute is 30-60 minutes, but traffic can turn a 10-mile trip into a 90-minute ordeal. Car ownership is non-negotiable, and the time lost in traffic is a real mental and emotional cost.
• Burlington: A breeze. The city is small and walkable/bikeable. A commute is typically under 20 minutes. You can live outside the city center and still have a short drive. The stress of traffic is virtually nonexistent.

Weather & Climate

• Los Angeles: Mediterranean bliss. Average 54°F is misleading; it’s sunny and mild year-round, with summer highs in the 80s-90s. No snow, minimal rain. The biggest downside is the marine layer ("June Gloom") and the risk of wildfires.
• Burlington: Four distinct seasons. Average 45°F means cold, snowy winters (often 6-8 months of winter wear) and gorgeous, warm summers. Humidity is lower than the Midwest. If you love fall foliage and winter sports, it’s paradise. If you hate shoveling snow, it’s a dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety

• Los Angeles: Violent Crime Rate: 732.5 per 100,000. LA has significant safety challenges. While many neighborhoods are safe, crime is a city-wide issue. You must be aware of your surroundings and choose your neighborhood carefully.
• Burlington: Violent Crime Rate: 173.3 per 100,000. Statistically, Burlington is dramatically safer. While no city is immune to crime, the risk in Burlington is a fraction of that in LA. It’s a key reason many families and retirees choose it.

The Verdict: Burlington wins decisively on traffic, safety, and manageable weather (if you can handle winter). LA wins on weather perfection but loses badly on stress-inducing traffic and safety concerns.

The Ultimate Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart?

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s your final scorecard.

Category	Los Angeles	Burlington	Winner
Vibe & Opportunity	World-class, diverse, fast-paced	Charming, community-focused, slower	Tie (Depends on you)
Cost of Living	Extremely High	High but Manageable	Burlington
Purchasing Power	Low for salary	High for salary	Burlington
Housing Access	Nearly impossible for median income	Challenging but possible	Burlington
Traffic & Commute	Major stressor, daily hassle	Minimal, easy	Burlington
Safety	Significant concerns	Statistically very safe	Burlington
Weather	Perfect mild climate	Harsh winters, beautiful seasons	Los Angeles

Winner for Families: Burlington

Why? Safety is the #1 priority for families. With a violent crime rate over 4x lower than LA, more affordable housing, excellent public schools (thanks to the university influence), and a strong sense of community, Burlington offers a stable, nurturing environment. The access to outdoor activities is a huge bonus for kids.

Winner for Singles / Young Pros: Los Angeles (with a caveat)

Why? If your career is in entertainment, tech, fashion, or any industry that thrives on networking and global exposure, LA is the place to be. The social scene is unparalleled, and the opportunities for advancement are immense. Caveat: You must be prepared for the financial grind. Your early career years will be about hustle and shared apartments. If you’re a young pro in a more remote-friendly field, Burlington’s lower costs and outdoor lifestyle might be a smarter long-term play.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington

Why? This isn’t even close. Retirees on fixed incomes get crushed by LA’s high costs. Burlington offers a safer environment, a walkable downtown, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and access to nature—all without the financial stress. The community is welcoming, and the slower pace is ideal for enjoying retirement. The winter weather is the only real hurdle, but many retirees embrace the seasonal change.

Final Pros & Cons

Los Angeles

Pros:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: In entertainment, tech, and creative fields.
• World-Class Culture: Museums, dining, music, and international events.
• Perfect Weather: Mild, sunny, and dry year-round.
• Incredible Diversity: You can find any community, cuisine, or culture.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living: High rent, home prices, and taxes.
• Brutal Traffic: Daily commutes can be soul-crushing.
• Significant Safety Concerns: Crime is a city-wide issue.
• Vast & Impersonal: It can be hard to build a sense of community.

Burlington

Pros:

• Outstanding Quality of Life: Safe, community-oriented, and low-stress.
• Great Purchasing Power: Your salary goes much further.
• Access to Nature: Lake, mountains, and forests at your doorstep.
• Four Beautiful Seasons: Especially stunning falls and summers.

Cons:

• Limited Career Opportunities: Fewer major industries and employers.
• Harsh, Long Winters: Snow and cold for a significant part of the year.
• Higher Cost for Region: Still one of the most expensive cities in Vermont.
• Smaller City Limitations: Fewer options for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Bottom Line:
Choose Los Angeles if you’re chasing a dream that can only be realized there, and you have the financial runway to handle the cost. Choose Burlington if you’re prioritizing safety, community, and a balanced life over big-city hustle. For most people, Burlington offers a higher quality of life for the average salary, but Los Angeles offers a higher ceiling for the exceptional.