Car Ownership Cost in Burlington, VT (2026)
Owning a car in Burlington costs approximately $13,066/year ($1,089/month) — 7% above the national average.
$13,066
Total annual cost
$1,089
Per month
$2,090
Annual insurance
Direct Answer
Owning a car in Burlington, VT costs about $13,066 per year, or $1,089 per month. That is 7% above the national car ownership benchmark, with insurance at $2,090 and fuel at $2,358 per year.
Annual total
$13,066
Range: $9,130-$20,367
Monthly cost
$1,089
Insurance, fuel, parking, maintenance, fees, financing, depreciation
Largest cost
$3,767
Depreciation is usually the hidden driver
Car-light signal
Likely car-needed
Focus savings on insurance, fuel, and financing
Car ownership in Burlington is near the national average.
Full Car Ownership Cost Breakdown — Burlington
Estimates based on AAA vehicle cost data and BLS CPI, adjusted for Burlington's cost index (118). Assumes one average new vehicle (~$35,000). Range: $9,130–$20,367.
Burlington vs. National Average
Burlington
$13,066/yr
National Average
$12,182/yr
Annual Difference
+$884
(+7%)
Ways to Reduce Car Costs in Burlington
✓Shop auto insurance annually — Burlington's average of $2,090/yr can vary by 30–40% between carriers.
✓Consider a used vehicle — depreciation ($3,767/yr) is the largest hidden cost of new car ownership.
✓Parking in Burlington is relatively affordable at $1,518/year — below-average for a US city of this size.
✓Bundle auto + renters/homeowners insurance for discounts of 10–15% on both policies.
✓In Burlington, a car is essentially a necessity. Focus savings on insurance, fuel efficiency, and avoiding high-interest financing.
Car Ownership Decision Checklist
Quote insurance locally before moving; the modeled benchmark is $2,090/year but carrier spreads can be wide.
Add parking and tolls separately; the modeled $1,518/year can change block by block.
Do not ignore depreciation and financing, which add about $5,137/year before fuel or repairs.
Plan for a full car budget in Burlington; transit substitution is less reliable for most households.
More for Burlington
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to own a car in Burlington?
Total car ownership in Burlington costs approximately $13,066/year ($1,089/month). This includes $2,090 for insurance, $2,358 for gas, $1,518 for parking, and $1,489 for maintenance and repairs.
How much is car insurance in Burlington?
Auto insurance in Burlington averages approximately $2,090/year ($174/month) for a typical driver. Rates vary significantly based on driving record, vehicle type, and coverage level. Shop multiple carriers annually to find the best rate.
Is it expensive to own a car in Burlington?
Car ownership in Burlington is near the national average at $13,066/year.
What is the biggest car expense in Burlington?
Depreciation is typically the largest car ownership cost at $3,767/year, followed by financing ($1,370/year) and insurance ($2,090/year).