Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in South Burlington, VT?
Rent-burdened — rent takes 52.5% of gross income.
South Burlington rent: June 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 South Burlington, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for South Burlington
View full rent data for South Burlington, VT →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in South Burlington, VT?
Median rent in South Burlington is $2,663 a month. A typical firefighter in Vermont earns about $60,926 a year, which makes that rent 52.5% 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 South Burlington?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Vermont (~$60,926/yr) supports up to $1,523 a month in rent. South Burlington's current median rent is $2,663/mo, which is $1,140/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in South Burlington?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Vermont works roughly 90.9 hours a month to cover South Burlington's median rent of $2,663.
Where is rent cheaper than South Burlington for a firefighter?
Nearby Vermont cities with lower median rent include Colchester ($2,420/mo), Colchester ($2,292/mo), Hartford ($2,225/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.