đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Essex Junction and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Essex Junction vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Essex Junction | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $94,423 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 2.6% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $472,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $304 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,250 | $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+ | 50.3% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 36 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Los Angeles vs. Essex Junction: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown
Let’s cut to the chase. You’re looking at two cities that couldn’t be more different. On one side, you have Los Angeles, the sprawling, sun-drenched, high-stakes metropolis of 3.8 million people. On the other, you have Essex Junction, the quiet, green, tight-knit Vermont hamlet of 10,000 residents.
This isn't just a choice between a big city and a small town. It’s a choice between two entirely different ways of life, built on opposing economic engines and climate realities. One is for the dreamers, the hustlers, and the sun-worshippers. The other is for the nature lovers, the budget-conscious, and those seeking a slower, safer pace.
Let’s break it down, coffee in hand.
The Vibe Check: Glamour vs. Grassroots
Los Angeles is the definition of a fast-paced, high-energy metro. The vibe is ambitious, diverse, and constantly in motion. It’s a city of neighborhoods, each with its own personality—from the glitz of Beverly Hills to the bohemian streets of Silver Lake. The culture revolves around the entertainment industry, tech, and global commerce. You’re here for the career ladder, the cultural melting pot, and the non-stop action. It’s for the go-getter who thrives on hustle and doesn’t mind traffic as a cost of doing business.
Essex Junction is the polar opposite. It’s a classic New England village, part of the larger Burlington metro area but distinctly its own. The vibe is laid-back, community-focused, and deeply connected to nature. Life here moves at the pace of the seasons. The culture is rooted in outdoor recreation (hello, Green Mountains and Lake Champlain), local agriculture, and a strong sense of neighborly support. It’s for the person who values quiet evenings, weekend hikes, and a tight-knit community over nightlife and networking events.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles: The creative, the ambitious, the culturally curious, and anyone who needs to be in the center of the action. It’s for those who see "sticker shock" as a challenge, not a deterrent.
- Essex Junction: The practical, the nature-centric, the family-focused, and those who prioritize financial freedom and safety over metropolitan amenities. It’s for those who want their dollar to stretch further without sacrificing quality of life.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is where the rubber meets the road. The data tells a story of extreme divergence in purchasing power. Let’s look at the numbers using a baseline of $100,000 in annual income to see where it truly goes further.
Cost of Living & Salary Comparison
| Category | Los Angeles, CA | Essex Junction, VT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $79,701 | $94,423 | Essex Junction |
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | ****$472,500** | Essex Junction |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,250 | Essex Junction |
| Housing Index | 173.0 (73% above U.S. avg) | 101.7 (1.7% above U.S. avg) | Essex Junction |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Essex Junction, you are in a fantastic position. Your median income is already $94,423, so you’re well above average. Your biggest expense—housing—is a fraction of LA's. A $1,000 monthly rent difference (vs. LA) equals $12,000 in savings per year. That’s a new car, a massive emergency fund, or a significant boost to retirement savings. Your purchasing power here is immense. You can afford a home, a reliable vehicle, and a comfortable lifestyle without feeling constantly stretched.
If you earn $100,000 in Los Angeles, you are technically earning more than the median ($79,701), but you’re fighting an uphill battle against extreme costs. Your $2,006 rent for a basic one-bedroom is a staggering $24,072 per year. That’s $12,072 more than Essex Junction—before you even pay for utilities, groceries, or gas. Your $100,000 salary will feel like $70,000 or less in purchasing power after taxes and housing. The "Bang for your Buck" factor is severely limited.
The Tax Twist:
California has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%. For a $100,000 earner, you’re likely paying 6-7% in state income tax. Vermont also has a progressive system, with rates from 3.35% to 8.75%. A $100,000 earner in Essex Junction pays roughly 5-6%. While Vermont’s rate isn’t as high as California’s top tier, the bigger factor is the sheer cost of housing and goods in LA, which acts like a de facto extra tax on your lifestyle.
Dollar Power Verdict: Essex Junction wins, and it’s not particularly close. The combination of a higher median income and drastically lower living costs gives residents here significantly more financial breathing room.
The Housing Market: A Tale of Two Extremes
Los Angeles: This is a hyper-competitive seller's market. With a median home price over $1 million, buying a home is a monumental challenge for most. The Housing Index of 173.0 confirms you’re paying a massive premium for location, climate, and demand. Inventory is chronically low, bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers often beat financed bids. Renting is the default for many, but even that is expensive and competitive. The dream of homeownership here is often deferred for years, if not decades, for the average earner.
Essex Junction: This is a balanced to slightly competitive buyer's market. With a median home price of $472,500, homeownership is an attainable goal for middle-class families. The Housing Index of 101.7 shows you’re paying a fair market value, not an inflated premium. Inventory exists, and while the market is active (especially for well-priced homes), it doesn’t have the cutthroat frenzy of LA. For renters, $1,250 for a one-bedroom is reasonable, and while the rental market is tight (like most of New England), it doesn’t require the same desperate search tactics as LA.
Verdict: Essex Junction is the clear winner for anyone looking to build equity. LA’s housing market is an elite club; Essex Junction’s is open to the middle class.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where personal preference reigns supreme, but the data provides some hard truths.
Traffic & Commute
- Los Angeles: Infamous. The average commute time is 30-45 minutes, but that can easily stretch to 90+ minutes in bad traffic. The sprawl means you often live far from work to afford housing. A car isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, and the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance is high.
- Essex Junction: Minimal. The average commute is under 20 minutes. The town is small, and Burlington is a short drive away. Traffic jams are rare. You can often bike or walk to local shops. The stress of the commute is virtually eliminated.
Weather
- Los Angeles: The poster child for Mediterranean climate. 54°F average might sound cool, but that’s the annual average. Summer highs are in the 80s-90s, with very low humidity. It’s sunny 284 days a year. The weather is a major draw, but it comes with the risk of wildfires, drought, and occasional heatwaves.
- Essex Junction: Classic New England. 45°F average reflects a true four-season climate. Winters are cold and snowy (average 60+ inches of snow), with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Summers are warm and humid, often reaching the 80s. You need a robust wardrobe for all seasons, and winter driving can be challenging. This is a dealbreaker for those who hate snow and cold.
Crime & Safety
- Los Angeles: Crime rates are a significant concern. The violent crime rate is 732.5 per 100,000 people, which is more than four times the national average. While many neighborhoods are safe, safety varies drastically by area, and property crime is common.
- Essex Junction: Exceptionally safe. The violent crime rate is 173.3 per 100,000, which is below the national average. This is a community where people leave doors unlocked and kids play outside freely. The safety factor is a massive draw for families and retirees.
Quality of Life Verdict: Essex Junction wins on safety, traffic, and financial peace of mind. Los Angeles wins on weather and climate, but only if you can tolerate the trade-offs in safety and cost.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Choose Where?
After breaking down the data and the lifestyle factors, the choice becomes clearer. Here’s your tailored advice.
Winner for Families: Essex Junction
- Why: The combination of safety (173.3 violent crime rate), excellent schools (Vermont is consistently ranked among the top states for education), attainable housing ($472,500 median home price), and a shorter commute creates an ideal environment for raising children. The access to outdoor activities is a huge bonus.
Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Los Angeles
- Why: This is a tougher call, but LA’s edge is in career opportunity and social scene. If you’re in entertainment, tech, or a global industry, the network and job market are unparalleled. The cultural diversity, nightlife, and sheer variety of experiences are unmatched. You’ll pay for it, but for the right person, the energy is worth the cost. (Note: This assumes you can secure a high-paying job to offset the $2,006 rent.)
Winner for Retirees: Essex Junction
- Why: It’s a slam dunk. Lower cost of living, safer environment, slower pace, and access to outdoor recreation are exactly what most retirees seek. The financial freedom from not having a mortgage or high rent on a fixed income is a game-changer. The four-season beauty is a backdrop for a peaceful retirement.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
Los Angeles, CA
- PROS:
- World-class career opportunities in entertainment, tech, and business.
- Unmatched cultural diversity and dining scene.
- Iconic, sunny weather year-round.
- Vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment options.
- CONS:
- Extreme cost of living and housing ($1M+ median home price).
- Severe traffic and long commutes.
- High crime rates in many areas.
- High state income taxes and overall financial pressure.
Essex Junction, VT
- PROS:
- Excellent safety and low crime rates.
- High median income ($94,423) with a very reasonable cost of living.
- Attainable homeownership ($472,500 median price).
- Short commutes, low stress, and access to nature.
- CONS:
- Harsh, long winters with significant snowfall.
- Limited cultural and entertainment options compared to a major metro.
- Smaller job market (commuting to Burlington is common).
- The four-season climate requires a flexible lifestyle.
Final Thought: The data is clear—Essex Junction offers superior financial power, safety, and quality of life for the average person. However, Los Angeles remains a magnetic force for those driven by ambition and who are willing to trade financial comfort for career and cultural access. Your choice ultimately hinges on what you value more: financial freedom and peace or urban energy and opportunity.