Salary and Cost of Living in Burlington area

[68vette]

You will need a room mate to make ends meet. Some are lucky to find a decent $700-800/mo place, but the majority don't. It's not that hard to get by and save, contribute to retirement, etc if you have a room mate, but to do it on your own in Burlington would not be the wise choice on a limited income. The figures mentioned are close. Rent is off. Average rent prices in Burlington are just over $1000/mo. This is why a room mate is a big plus. VHFA did the bomework for most people ( the report is called " Between a Rock and a Hard Place"), they focus on home ownership but they also did a lot of research in Vermont renting. A 30,000 dollar salary is below the income of $39,595 VHFA recommends. If you only put 30% of your income towards rent, you will then have enough for bills, insurance, retirement, savings, etc.

[68vette]

Originally Posted by Silvanus

I noticed both of you have electric and then heating expenses. Why? (i assume gas/electric but want to make sure.

Electric and heat are separate. Some heat is gas and some is oil. Electric is for lights,etc and sometimes hot water. Oil or gas is for heating and for heating water. Sometimes people from the south don't always understand how heating is done up north.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Silvanus

Thanks for the info. I was pretty depressed when I thought I would have to ask for 50k only to eek by.

Just curious what kind of job you think you'd be able to get there for $50K or even $30K with no experience. You seem to have an unrealistic expectation as to how the job market works. I'd guess that any jobs paying that kind of money with no experience requirements would have hundreds of applicants, many already in the area with inside contacts.