In short
The median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Burlington is $444,800, according to the Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey. For fiscal year 2027, the City of Burlington’s tax calculator posts a combined rate of $2.4590 per $100 of appraised value for a homestead. Vermont’s property transfer tax on a principal residence is 0.5% on the first $200,000, per the Department of Taxes.
How much homes cost in Burlington
The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) asks owners how much they think their home would sell for. The median of those answers is a benchmark, but it is not a sale price: it covers every owner-occupied home, including homes bought long ago. The Census Bureau returns no one-year estimate for the city, so the city figure below pools five years. Our page on Vermont home prices explains the method and the margins of error.
| Area | Median value | Margin of error (90%) | Vintage |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Burlington | $444,800 | ±$19,357 | 5-year, 2020-2024 |
| Chittenden County | $439,200 | ±$7,510 | 5-year, 2020-2024 |
| Vermont | $316,600 | ±$3,361 | 5-year, 2020-2024 |
| Burlington–South Burlington metro area | $438,100 | ±$11,249 | 1-year, 2024 |
| Chittenden County | $470,600 | ±$12,882 | 1-year, 2024 |
| Vermont | $352,800 | ±$7,277 | 1-year, 2024 |
| United States | $360,600 | ±$618 | 1-year, 2024 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS table B25077. Compare rows with the same vintage only. The 2025 one-year estimates are scheduled for October 29, 2026.
Are Burlington prices rising?
FHFA’s purchase-only index has no series for the Burlington–South Burlington area, so the state index is the closest official measure. Published August 25, 2026, it shows:
| Area | 1-year change (Q2 2025 to Q2 2026) | 5-year change (Q2 2021 to Q2 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | +7.3% | +52.2% |
| United States | +2.1% | +33.4% |
Source: FHFA House Price Index, quarterly purchase-only files. Changes calculated by Payotte from the published index values.
FHFA’s release ranks Vermont second among the states for annual appreciation.
Closing costs at the median price
On top of the price, buyers and sellers pay closing costs: lender fees, the appraisal, the survey, recording fees and title insurance. Several depend on your loan and the providers you choose, so there is no single official figure, and we do not estimate one here. For the rules and who usually pays each item, see our guide to closing costs in Vermont and the national guide to closing costs explained.
Property tax in Burlington
The City of Burlington’s tax calculator estimates taxes for fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027). It posts these rates per $100 of appraised value:
| Component | Rate per $100 |
|---|---|
| Municipal | $0.9097 |
| Homestead education | $1.5489 |
| Non-homestead education | $1.5154 |
| Local agreement | $0.0004 |
| Homestead total (municipal + homestead education + local agreement) | $2.4590 |
| Non-homestead total (municipal + non-homestead education + local agreement) | $2.4255 |
Source: City of Burlington, “Property Tax Calculator,” fiscal year 2027. Totals added by Payotte. The calculator excludes tax credits, adjustments, penalties, interest and special assessments.
A homestead is generally the principal dwelling that a Vermont resident owns and occupies, and it must be declared to the Vermont Department of Taxes.
A worked example
The tax is based on the city’s appraised value, not the Census figure. As an illustration only, take a homestead appraised at $444,800, the Census median for the city:
- $444,800 ÷ 100 × 2.4590 = $10,938 a year, or about $911 a month, before credits.
The Assessor’s appeal page states that all properties were adjusted to an estimated fair market value as of April 1, 2021, so a given home’s appraised value can differ widely from what it would sell for today. Check the appraised value of the home you want on the Assessor’s property database. The Assessor’s Office also takes grievances: you file a letter or application before a hearing is scheduled. The Assessor’s page says the Grand List holds about 11,000 parcels and about $5.9 billion in taxable value. See our Vermont property tax guide for exemptions and deadlines. To see how the tax can be paid through your mortgage, read our guide to escrow accounts.
Transfer tax on a Burlington purchase
Vermont’s property transfer tax applies to the sale. The Department of Taxes lists these rates for a principal residence: 0.5% on the first $200,000 of value, and 1.47% on the value above $200,000 (the 1.25% general rate plus a 0.22% clean water surcharge). A home that is not your principal residence, and fit for year-round living, is taxed at 3.62% including the surcharge.
Example, not a quote. For a $444,800 principal residence: $200,000 × 0.5% = $1,000, plus $244,800 × 1.47% = $3,599, for about $4,599. If your purchase is financed in part by VHFA or USDA Rural Development, the first $250,000 is exempt, and the same price would owe $194,800 × 1.47% = about $2,864. Details are on our page about transfer tax in Vermont.
Help for Burlington buyers
The VHFA income limit in Chittenden County is $120,000 for one or two people, with a purchase price cap of $450,000 for MOVE loans. The City’s Community & Economic Development Office funds affordable housing development. See our first-time buyer programs in Vermont for amounts and conditions.
Vermont guides for Burlington buyers
Frequently asked questions
What is the median home price in Burlington, Vermont?
The Census Bureau’s 2020-2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Burlington at $444,800 (±$19,357). This is what owners think their home is worth, not the median sale price of recent sales.
Are home prices in Burlington going up?
FHFA has no purchase-only series for the Burlington area. For Vermont as a whole, its index rose 7.3% between the second quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026, and 52.2% over five years.
What is the property tax rate in Burlington?
For fiscal year 2027, the City of Burlington’s calculator posts $2.4590 per $100 of appraised value for a homestead and $2.4255 for a non-homestead property. Credits and special assessments are not included.
How much property tax would I pay on a median-priced home in Burlington?
On an appraised value of $444,800 and the homestead rate, about $10,938 a year before credits. Your actual bill depends on the city’s appraised value, which can differ from market value.
Do I pay a transfer tax when I buy in Burlington?
Yes, Vermont’s property transfer tax applies. On a principal residence it is 0.5% on the first $200,000 and 1.47% above that, according to the Department of Taxes. Purchases financed in part by VHFA or USDA Rural Development exempt the first $250,000.
More Vermont guides
- Closing costs in Vermont: what buyers and sellers pay
- Vermont property transfer tax: rates, who pays, exemptions
- Vermont property tax: how it works and the homestead rate
- Seller disclosure requirements in Vermont: what must be told
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Vermont?
- How does foreclosure work in Vermont, and how long does it take?
- Home prices in Vermont and Burlington: median value and trend
- First-time home buyer programs in Vermont: VHFA and Burlington
- How to verify a real estate license in Vermont
Sources
- Table B25077, Median Value (Dollars), ACS 5-Year Estimates 2020-2024 (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Table B25077, Median Value (Dollars), ACS 1-Year Estimates 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- 2025 ACS Data Release Schedule (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- U.S. House Prices Rise 2.1 Percent Year over Year, Up 0.3 Percent Quarter over Quarter (FHFA, August 25, 2026) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- FHFA House Price Index datasets, quarterly purchase-only indexes (state, metro, U.S.) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Property Tax Calculator, fiscal year 2027 (City of Burlington, Clerk/Treasurer's Office) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Assessor's Office (City of Burlington) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Property Appeal Procedures, Board of Assessors (City of Burlington) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Property Transfer Tax (Vermont Department of Taxes) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Housing (Community & Economic Development Office, City of Burlington) (consulted October 13, 2026)