Moving to Vermont: costs, checklist and what to know
Vermont at a glance for movers: Northeast region · largest city Burlington · capital Montpelier · Eastern time.
Quick facts for moving to Vermont
- Income tax: Vermont taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Vermont Department of Taxes for the current year.
- Sales tax: Vermont's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Vermont driver's license within 60 days, according to the Vermont DMV.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from New York City to Burlington (about 320 road miles) runs roughly $570–$1,120 with a rental truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Vermont
- Spring mud season (roughly late March to early May) makes many dirt roads soft, and some are posted against heavy vehicles.
- Burlington is the largest city; Montpelier is the least populous state capital in the U.S.
- Vehicles registered in Vermont must pass a state inspection soon after registration.
Main cities and metros include Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier. Vermont borders New Hampshire, Massachusetts and New York.
How much does it cost to move to Vermont?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Burlington, the largest city in Vermont. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 320 | $570–$1,120 | $1,910–$4,450 |
| Los Angeles | 2,980 | $4,210–$7,940 | $6,170–$14,030 |
| Chicago | 900 | $1,320–$2,520 | $2,840–$6,540 |
| Dallas | 1,800 | $2,550–$4,820 | $4,280–$9,780 |
| Atlanta | 1,140 | $1,720–$3,270 | $3,220–$7,400 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Vermont moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Vermont
June through October. Winters are snowy; avoid mud season if your new address is on a dirt road.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Vermont new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Vermont: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Vermont?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 320 miles from New York City to Burlington costs roughly $570–$1,120 if you rent a truck or $1,910–$4,450 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Vermont have a state income tax?
Yes. Vermont taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Vermont Department of Taxes for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Vermont?
Vermont's statewide sales tax rate is 6%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Vermont driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Vermont DMV. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Vermont?
June through October. Winters are snowy; avoid mud season if your new address is on a dirt road.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Vermont Department of Taxes and the Vermont DMV, which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.