For retirees in Vermont, Social Safety advantages fall dramatically in need of overlaying even essentially the most fundamental dwelling bills.
Based on a Realtor.com® evaluation of median Social Safety advantages by state and the Elder Financial Safety Normal Index,, Vermont ranks because the hardest state within the nation for retirees relying solely on Social Safety.
And issues would solely worsen if one thing have been to occur to the profit all collectively.
Housing prices drive the deficit
Seniors right here face an annual shortfall of $8,088, or about $674 per 30 days, even with their mortgage totally paid.
The mathematics illustrates the issue. Retirees in Vermont face common month-to-month dwelling bills of $2,628, whereas the state’s median Social Safety profit is simply $1,954 per 30 days. With housing prices averaging $838 per 30 days—among the many highest within the nation for mortgage-free householders—budgets merely don’t steadiness.
At $838 per 30 days, retirees’ housing-related bills—together with property taxes, insurance coverage, utilities, and upkeep—are greater than double these in low-cost states like West Virginia ($398) or Alabama ($419).
These elevated prices push housing nicely above the federal affordability benchmark, which recommends housing account for not more than 30% of earnings. In Vermont, housing consumes practically 43% of the standard retiree’s Social Safety verify, leaving little room for meals, healthcare, or transportation.
Life for retirees in Vermont
Vermont is widely known for its scenic landscapes, small-town allure, and high quality of life. However these perks come at a steep value for retirees. Property taxes are among the many highest within the nation, and utility payments climb through the state’s lengthy, chilly winters. Dwelling insurance coverage prices additionally development greater on account of weather-related dangers, additional compounding month-to-month housing bills.
Nonetheless, for seniors with further retirement financial savings or pensions, Vermont stays a gorgeous vacation spot, notably for many who worth its outside recreation and community-oriented way of life. However for the practically 22 million People who dwell on Social Safety alone, in keeping with a June 2025 research from The Senior Residents League, Vermont poses a major problem.
Vermont in comparison with the remainder of the nation
Nationally, retirees relying solely on Social Safety already wrestle, dealing with a mean shortfall of $2,762 yearly, or about $230 per 30 days. Vermont’s deficit of $8,088 stands out because the worst within the nation, greater than triple the nationwide common.
In comparison with different deficit states, Vermont’s hole is excessive. New Jersey follows with a $7,512 annual shortfall, and Massachusetts isn’t far behind at $7,345. In every case, excessive housing prices drive the price range imbalance. However Vermont tops all of them, reflecting each excessive prices and comparatively modest Social Safety profit ranges.
The outlook for retirees on Social Safety
As we have seen, for retirees with out further earnings sources, the state’s excessive prices all however assure monetary pressure.
And the problem could solely develop. If Congress fails to shore up Social Safety, advantages may very well be diminished to about 77% of their present ranges by 2033. For Vermont retirees, that will increase right this moment’s $8,088 annual shortfall right into a staggering deficit of greater than $12,000 per 12 months.
Vermont’s pure magnificence and high quality of life could also be simple, however for retirees dwelling solely on Social Safety—even with out a mortgage—the monetary actuality is harsh.
This text was produced with editorial enter from Dina Sartore-Bodo, Gabriella Iannetta, and Allaire Conte.
