Burlington vs Phoenix

Category / Metric	Burlington	Phoenix
Financial Overview
Median Income	$68,854	$79,664
Unemployment Rate	2.6%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$551,600	$457,000
Price per SqFt	$342	$278
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,441	$1,599
Housing Cost Index	101.7	124.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.3	98.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	173.3	691.8
Bachelor's Degree+	60.5%	33.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	36	39

Phoenix vs. Burlington: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're trying to decide between two radically different American cities: Phoenix, Arizona—a sprawling, sun-drenched desert metropolis—and Burlington, Vermont—a compact, green, and historic college town nestled on the shores of Lake Champlain.

This isn't just a choice between a desert and a forest; it's a choice between lifestyles. Are you chasing career growth and endless sunshine, or do you crave community, seasons, and a slower pace? As your relocation expert, I'm here to break down the data, the vibe, and the real-world trade-offs to help you pick your next home.

The Vibe Check: Desert Metro vs. New England Charm

First, let's set the scene. This is where the numbers meet the gut feeling.

Phoenix is a beast of a city. It’s the fifth-largest in the U.S., a massive urban sprawl where neighborhoods blend into suburbs for miles. The vibe is laid-back in a "don't sweat the small stuff" way, but the city itself is all about growth, business, and big-city amenities. You’ll find world-class golf, a booming food scene, and a skyline that’s constantly under construction. It’s for the career-driven professional who wants big-city opportunities and doesn’t mind the heat, or the active retiree who wants to play golf year-round and has easy access to healthcare.

Burlington is the polar opposite. With a population under 50,000, it feels like a large town, not a city. It’s walkable, bikeable, and defined by the presence of the University of Vermont (UVM). The vibe is progressive, outdoorsy, and deeply connected to its New England roots. Think craft breweries, farm-to-table dining, and a vibrant arts scene fueled by a student population. It’s for the young professional or family who values community, nature, and a distinct four-season lifestyle over sheer size and career ladder rungs.

Verdict: If you need the energy and anonymity of a major metro, Phoenix wins. If you crave a tight-knit community and a slower pace, Burlington is your spot.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the math gets real. Let's talk purchasing power. I'll compare the cost of living using the data, but remember: Housing Index is a key metric where 100 is the national average. Anything above 100 is more expensive; below is cheaper.

Cost of Living Comparison (1BR Apartment)

Category	Phoenix	Burlington	Winner
Rent (1BR)	$1,599	$1,441	Burlington
Utilities (Est.)	$350+ (AC!)	$200 (Heat in winter)	Burlington
Groceries	~5% below nat'l avg	~8% above nat'l avg	Phoenix
Housing Index	124.3 (Expensive)	101.7 (Slightly above avg)	Burlington

Analysis: At first glance, Burlington looks cheaper for rent. But hold up. The Housing Index tells a different story. Phoenix’s index of 124.3 means housing costs are 24.3% higher than the national average. This is driven by a booming market, high demand, and a lack of affordable new construction. Burlington’s index of 101.7 is closer to the national average, but don’t be fooled—housing is tight.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
Let’s say you earn the median income in each city. In Phoenix, the median income is $79,664. In Burlington, it’s $68,854. On paper, Phoenix pays more. But cost-adjusted, where does it feel like more?

• In Phoenix: Your money goes further on groceries and utilities (if you can manage the AC bill). However, the median home price of $457,000 is a massive hurdle. That high housing index eats into your purchasing power. You’ll feel the "sticker shock" in the real estate market.
• In Burlington: Your salary is lower, but your biggest expense—rent—is slightly cheaper. However, Vermont’s high property taxes and expensive groceries can pinch the wallet. The median home price of $551,600 is even higher than Phoenix’s, but the market is less volatile.

The Bottom Line: For raw day-to-day expenses, Burlington might feel slightly easier on the wallet for a renter. But for long-term wealth building through homeownership, Phoenix offers more bang for your buck, even with its higher index. A $457k home in Phoenix is more attainable than a $551k home in Burlington on a comparable salary.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Phoenix (Buyer's Market... Sort Of):
The Phoenix market has cooled from its white-hot pandemic peak, but it's still competitive. The median home price is $457,000. You get more square footage for your money here than in most major metros, but the catch is the 124.3 Housing Index. Competition is fierce for well-priced homes, and the market is heavily influenced by investor activity and out-of-state buyers. Renting is a popular option, but the rental market is tight, with median 1BR rent at $1,599.

Burlington (Extreme Seller's Market):
This is the critical data point. Burlington’s median home price is $551,600—over $90k more than Phoenix. With a smaller population and limited land for new construction, the inventory is chronically low. This is a classic seller's market where bidding wars are common. Renting is the default for many, and the median 1BR rent at $1,441 is high for a town of its size, reflecting the extreme housing shortage. If you're looking to buy in Burlington, come prepared with a strong offer and patience.

Housing Verdict: For prospective buyers, Phoenix offers more inventory and slightly lower entry prices, making it the more accessible market. For renters, Burlington has a slight edge in monthly cost, but availability is a major challenge in both cities.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference overrides data.

Traffic & Commute:

• Phoenix: Brutal. The city is built for cars. Average commute times are long (30+ minutes), and traffic on the I-10, I-17, and Loop 101 can be a nightmare, especially during rush hour. Public transit is underdeveloped for a city its size. If you hate driving, Phoenix will test your patience.
• Burlington: A dream. The city is compact and highly bikeable. A 10-15 minute commute is standard. Traffic jams are rare. You can easily walk downtown or bike to work. The trade-off? You're often dependent on a car for trips outside the city, and winter driving can be challenging.

Weather: The Ultimate Divider

• Phoenix: Extreme Heat. The data says 55.0°F average, but that’s misleading. It’s a city of 90°F+ highs for 5 months straight, with summer temps regularly soaring above 105°F. Winters are mild and glorious. If you hate snow and cold, this is paradise. But if you hate oppressive, relentless heat, this is your personal hell. Air conditioning is a survival tool, not a luxury.
• Burlington: True Seasons. The data says 45.0°F average, but that’s just the middle of the story. Experience all four seasons: stunning falls, snowy winters (average 80+ inches of snow), lush springs, and beautiful summers. The trade-off is the cold. Winters are long, dark, and require proper gear, snow tires, and a shovel. If you crave distinct seasons and winter sports, Burlington delivers. If you dread shoveling snow, look away.

Crime & Safety:

• Phoenix: The data is stark. Violent crime rate is 691.8 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly higher than the national average. Like any large metro, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Research is essential.
• Burlington: The data shows a much lower rate at 173.3 per 100,000 residents. Burlington is generally considered safe, especially in its core neighborhoods. However, no place is immune, and property crime can occur. The small-town feel contributes to a sense of security.

Safety Verdict: Burlington is the clear winner on the data. It’s statistically much safer than Phoenix. However, Phoenix’s safety is highly neighborhood-dependent.

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins for YOU?

After breaking down the data and the lifestyle, here’s the head-to-head winner for specific life stages.

Life Stage	Winner	Why
Families	Phoenix	More space for your money, better weather for year-round play, and a wider array of family-friendly attractions (zoo, museums, sports). The trade-off is traffic and safety concerns.
Singles & Young Pros	Tie (Context-Dependent)	Phoenix for career growth and networking in a major metro. Burlington for a vibrant, community-focused, outdoor lifestyle with a lower barrier to entry (if you can find housing).
Retirees	Phoenix	The year-round warm weather is a massive draw for active seniors. Golf, hiking, and no shoveling snow are huge perks. Access to healthcare is excellent. Burlington's beauty is undeniable, but the long, harsh winters are a dealbreaker for many retirees.

Phoenix: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Year-round warm weather (if you love heat).
• Major metro amenities: Pro sports, international airport, diverse dining, and shopping.
• Strong job market in tech, healthcare, and finance.
• Relatively more affordable homes than other major metros (though the index is high).
• Easy access to stunning natural wonders (Grand Canyon, Sedona).

Cons:

• Extreme summer heat (months over 100°F).
• High violent crime rate (691.8/100k).
• Car-dependent sprawl and brutal traffic.
• High housing index (124.3) and competitive market.
• Air quality can be poor due to dust and ozone.

Burlington: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Extremely low violent crime rate (173.3/100k).
• Compact, walkable, and bikeable city center.
• Four beautiful seasons with access to skiing, hiking, and lake activities.
• Vibrant cultural scene fueled by a major university (UVM).
• Progressive, community-oriented vibe.

Cons:

• Extremely tight housing market with high prices ($551,600 median home).
• Long, snowy, and dark winters (80+ inches of snow).
• Limited career opportunities outside of education, healthcare, and hospitality.
• Higher cost for groceries and daily items.
• Isolated location (2+ hours to Boston, 1.5 hours to Montreal).

The Bottom Line: Choose Phoenix if you prioritize career opportunities, warm weather, and big-city life, and you can handle the heat and traffic. Choose Burlington if you value community, safety, outdoor access, and a distinct seasonal lifestyle, and you can navigate a tight housing market and cold winters.

Your move.