Many of you might be surprised while searching for rentals in Burlington. The rent is significantly higher than expected for a small city with a population of just over 40,000.

Cross-referencing various sources, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Burlington is estimated to be between $1,850 and $2,050, with some new developments reporting rents as high as $2,245.

The presence of the University of Vermont and the Vermont College of Medicine, along with the limited availability of rental units, are cited as factors driving up the rent.

You might be understandably puzzled. It's a small New England city, yet the rent is comparable to that of medium to large cities, which may be hard to grasp. Burlington has seen slow new housing supply due to geographical and administrative constraints, leading to a chronic shortage of supply compared to demand. As a result, rents for 1-bedrooms in the city center are around $1,930, while they drop slightly to about $1,675 outside the city center.

When compared to nearby South Burlington, interesting differences emerge. The average rent in South Burlington is reported to be around $1,915, showing little difference from Burlington's city center, or even maintaining a similar level. In the past, South Burlington was considered a quiet suburban alternative, but recently, with the increase in new developments, the rent gap seems to be narrowing. I feel this change every time I look at listings.

Looking at the trends over the past year, Burlington has recorded a rent increase of about 4.66%, while South Burlington has seen an increase of around 4.1%. However, recent data from the last month or two shows a slight slowdown in the upward trend, indicating a shift into a more stable phase rather than a rapid increase. Studios are around $1,600 for approximately 700 square feet, and 2-bedrooms often exceed $2,400, so families should plan their budgets accordingly.

Even when compared to other cities in Vermont, Burlington's rental burden stands out. Smaller cities like Rutland or St. Albans are often over $500 cheaper than Burlington, so if commuting is an option, expanding your search to these areas could be beneficial. However, you should consider winter commuting conditions and public transportation accessibility to avoid regrets.

• Burlington city center: 1-bedroom around $1,900 to $2,050, with student demand due to proximity to the university
• Outside Burlington city center: slightly cheaper at around $1,675
• South Burlington: around $1,900, with increasing new developments narrowing the gap with the city center

From the perspective of Korean households, while there isn't a large Korean community in Burlington, a few Korean families and students tend to live near the University of Vermont and in South Burlington. Often, trips to Boston or Montreal are necessary for Korean grocery stores or food, which can be a downside in terms of convenience. Nevertheless, for those who value the natural environment, safety, and educational conditions, the rental burden may be worth it.

In summary, the rent for a 1-bedroom in Burlington is centered around $1,850 to $2,050, but keep in mind that the gap between the city center and South Burlington is not as significant as it used to be. During the winter moving season, listings tend to become scarcer, so it's advisable to plan ahead.