Burlington vs New York

Category / Metric	Burlington	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,854	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$551,600	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$342	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,441	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	101.7	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	60.5%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	31

New York vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Alright, let's cut to the chase. You're standing at a massive crossroads, staring at two cities that are worlds apart. On one side, you have the concrete jungle that never sleeps—the ultimate grind, the cultural epicenter, the place where dreams are made and wallets are emptied. On the other, you have a quaint, lakeside gem nestled in the Green Mountains—a place where the pace slows down, the air gets crisper, and "rush hour" means getting behind a tractor on the interstate.

Choosing between New York, NY and Burlington, VT isn't just about picking a zip code; it's about choosing an entire lifestyle. Are you chasing the 24/7 energy of a global metropolis, or are you seeking a balanced life with nature at your doorstep? Let's break it down, category by category, with the hard data and the straight talk you need to make this life-altering decision.

The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Laid-Back Lakeside

New York is an adrenaline shot. It’s the city of iconic skylines, Broadway lights, world-class cuisine from every corner of the globe, and a population that moves at warp speed. The culture is diverse, intense, and demanding. You're not just living in a city; you're part of a living, breathing organism. It’s for the ambitious, the social butterflies, the culture vultures, and anyone who thrives on energy and endless options. If your idea of a perfect Saturday involves museum hopping followed by a Michelin-star dinner and a late-night jazz club, New York is your playground.

Burlington, on the other hand, is a deep breath of fresh air. It’s a college town (thanks to the University of Vermont) with a fiercely independent spirit, a thriving farm-to-table scene, and a community that values local artisans and outdoor recreation. The vibe is progressive, unpretentious, and deeply connected to its stunning natural surroundings. You're more likely to spend your weekend hiking a mountain trail or kayaking on Lake Champlain than navigating a crowded subway. It’s for those who prioritize work-life balance, love the outdoors, and prefer a tight-knit community over a sprawling metropolis.

The Bottom Line: New York is for the hustle. Burlington is for the balance.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Really Go?

Let's talk money. Sticker shock is a real thing, and nowhere is it more pronounced than in the Big Apple. But it's not just about what you earn; it's about what your money can actually buy—your purchasing power.

Here’s a direct comparison of your monthly outlay for essentials:

Expense Category	New York, NY	Burlington, VT	The Difference
Median Income	$76,577	$68,854	NY pays more, but...
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$1,441	NY is 69% more expensive
Utilities (Basic)	~$160	~$165	Roughly even
Groceries	~12% above nat'l avg	~5% above nat'l avg	NY costs more to feed you
Housing Index	149.3 (49.3% above avg)	101.7 (1.7% above avg)	NY is in a different league

Purchasing Power Wars: If you earn $100,000 in New York, your take-home pay after taxes is roughly $72,000 (assuming single filer, standard deduction). After paying $2,451 for rent, you're left with about $1,290/month for everything else. In Burlington, that same $100,000 salary (which is high for the area) yields a similar take-home, but your rent is only $1,441. That leaves you with $2,301/month—almost $1,000 more in your pocket for savings, travel, or fun.

Taxes: New York has a progressive state income tax, with rates ranging from 4% to 10.9%. Vermont also has a progressive tax, but its top rate is 8.75%. While both are on the higher side, New York's overall tax burden is heavier, especially when you factor in NYC's local taxes. The real financial advantage in Burlington isn't just lower costs; it's the dramatic increase in disposable income.

The Verdict: For pure financial breathing room, Burlington wins hands down. New York offers higher nominal salaries, but the cost of living eats up the difference and then some.

The Housing Market: Renting vs. Buying

This is where the gap becomes a chasm.

New York: The housing market is a pressure cooker. The median home price of $875,000 is a sobering reality, putting homeownership out of reach for many. The rent is astronomical, and competition is fierce. You're often competing with dozens of applicants for a single apartment, and landlords can be incredibly selective. It’s a relentless seller's and landlord's market. Buying is a monumental financial commitment, typically requiring a massive down payment and a high tolerance for debt.

Burlington: The market is competitive but in a completely different universe. The median home price of $551,600 is still steep for the region, but it's 37% lower than in New York. Rent is significantly more affordable. While inventory can be tight (it's a desirable place to live), you won't face the same cutthroat bidding wars. It’s a balanced market leaning towards sellers, but with far more accessibility than NYC.

Insight: In New York, you often rent for life unless you have generational wealth or a stellar income. In Burlington, a solid middle-class income can realistically get you on the property ladder.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute:

• New York: Commuting is a way of life. The subway is efficient but crowded, dirty, and prone to delays. Driving is a nightmare with gridlock and astronomical parking costs. Average commute times can easily exceed 45 minutes each way. It’s a daily test of patience.
• Burlington: Traffic is minimal. The biggest rush hour might add 10-15 minutes to your drive. Most people live and work within a short distance. Public transit exists but is less comprehensive. The commute is a non-issue.

Weather:

• New York: Experiences all four seasons intensely. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), winters are cold and snowy (but the city rarely shuts down). Spring and fall are beautiful but fleeting. You need a robust wardrobe and resilience.
• Burlington: Winters are long, cold, and snowy. It’s a true northern climate. Summers are mild and beautiful, perfect for outdoor activities. If you love snow sports and crisp autumn air, you'll thrive. If you hate shoveling and sub-zero temps, it's a major dealbreaker.

Crime & Safety:

• New York: While much safer than its 1990s peak, the data shows a higher violent crime rate (364.2 per 100k). Petty theft and subway crime are more common concerns. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood.
• Burlington: A significantly lower violent crime rate (173.3 per 100k). It feels, and is, much safer. However, no city is crime-free, and issues like property crime exist. Overall, Burlington offers a greater sense of personal security, especially in residential areas.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

There’s no universal winner here. This is about aligning a city with your life stage, priorities, and personality.

Category	New York, NY	Burlington, VT	Winner
Career Opportunity	Unmatched in finance, arts, media, tech.	Niche markets, education, healthcare, outdoor industry.	New York
Financial Freedom	High costs limit savings & disposable income.	Lower costs mean more money in your pocket.	Burlington
Culture & Entertainment	World-class, endless options.	Local, authentic, community-focused.	New York
Outdoor Access	Parks & beaches, but urban.	Immediate access to mountains, lakes, trails.	Burlington
Commute & Pace	Stressful, time-consuming, intense.	Easy, relaxed, manageable.	Burlington
Safety	Higher crime rates in many areas.	Generally safer & more peaceful.	Burlington

Winner for Families: Burlington

For raising kids, Burlington is a strong contender. The safer environment, excellent public schools, lower cost of living (making a single-income household more feasible), and abundance of outdoor activities create an ideal setting for family life. You get space, community, and a childhood defined by nature rather than concrete.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York

If you're in your 20s or early 30s, hungry for career acceleration, networking, and a vibrant social scene, New York is unbeatable. The opportunities for professional growth, cultural experiences, and meeting people from all walks of life are unparalleled. The high cost is the price of admission to the world's biggest stage.

Winner for Retirees: Burlington

For retirees, Burlington offers a compelling package. The lower cost of living preserves retirement savings, the safe and walkable community is ideal for aging in place, and the natural beauty promotes a healthy, active lifestyle. While healthcare is strong, access to top-tier specialists is better in New York, but that comes with a cost and hassle most retirees prefer to avoid.

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New York: Pros & Cons

PROS:

• Unmatched Career Opportunities: A global hub for finance, tech, media, arts, and more.
• World-Class Culture & Food: Access to Broadway, museums, and every cuisine imaginable.
• Public Transit: Extensive subway and bus system (despite its flaws).
• Diversity & Energy: A melting pot of cultures and an electric, inspiring atmosphere.

CONS:

• Extreme Cost of Living: The highest in the nation, with brutal rent and housing prices.
• High Stress & Fast Pace: Can be overwhelming and draining.
• Crowds & Commutes: Daily life involves navigating massive crowds and long commutes.
• Safety Concerns: Higher crime rates than many American cities, with significant neighborhood variance.

Burlington: Pros & Cons

PROS:

• Affordable Cost of Living: Significantly cheaper housing, rent, and overall expenses.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: Direct access to Lake Champlain, mountains, and forests.
• Safe & Community-Oriented: Low crime rates and a strong sense of local community.
• Healthy, Active Lifestyle: Outdoor recreation is a way of life, year-round.

CONS:

• Limited Job Market: Fewer large employers and specialized career paths.
• Long, Harsh Winters: Snow and cold dominate for much of the year.
• Fewer Big-City Amenities: Limited high-end shopping, major league sports, and niche entertainment.
• Seasonal Tourism: The population swells in summer, which can strain resources.

The Final Word: Choose New York if your career is your top priority and you're willing to sacrifice space and savings for unparalleled opportunity and energy. Choose Burlington if you value work-life balance, nature, safety, and financial sanity over the relentless grind of a mega-city.