Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Burlington, VT?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 53.9% of gross income.
Burlington rent: September 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Vermont state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Vermont cities have lower median rent than Burlington, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Burlington
View full rent data for Burlington, VT →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Burlington, VT?
Median rent in Burlington is $2,738 a month. A typical firefighter in Vermont earns about $60,926 a year, which makes that rent 53.9% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Burlington?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Vermont (~$60,926/yr) supports up to $1,523 a month in rent. Burlington's current median rent is $2,738/mo, which is $1,215/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Burlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Vermont works roughly 93.5 hours a month to cover Burlington's median rent of $2,738.
Where is rent cheaper than Burlington for a firefighter?
Nearby Vermont cities with lower median rent include South Burlington ($2,573/mo), South Burlington ($2,557/mo), South Burlington ($2,550/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.