Airbnb and other short-term rental prices in Vermont vary sharply by town, season, property size, and trip length. A compact apartment in Montpelier can cost far less than a ski house in Stowe, Killington, or Ludlow. The most useful approach is to compare market-level nightly rates, then check the full checkout total for your exact dates.
Quick Answer
There is no dependable single statewide Airbnb average for Vermont. June 2026 market data shows average daily rates of about $169 in Montpelier, $250 in Burlington, $279 in South Burlington, $580 in Stowe, $586 in Killington, and $622 in Ludlow. Your checkout total will usually be higher after fees and taxes.
Key Takeaways
- Vermont rental prices differ too much by destination for one statewide number to describe every trip accurately.
- Montpelier, Brattleboro, and Shaftsbury are more likely to offer sub-$200 options than major ski towns.
- Stowe, Killington, and Ludlow have much higher market averages because many listings are large homes near resort areas.
- Qualifying Vermont short-term rentals are generally subject to a 9% rooms tax plus a 3% short-term rental impact surcharge; some municipalities may also add a 1% local rooms tax.
- Always compare the total trip price, not only the nightly rate shown in search results.
Average Cost of Vermont Vacation Rentals (2026)
A single statewide average can be misleading because Vermont includes urban stays, lake cottages, rural cabins, and large resort homes. Current AirDNA market data for Vermont is published by town rather than as one verified statewide average.
As of the July 5, 2026 update, reflecting completed data through June 2026, average daily rates for booked short-term rentals varied from about $169 in Montpelier to more than $600 in Ludlow. These figures cover tracked listings across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, so they are market benchmarks rather than guaranteed Airbnb quotes.
The destination and property type matter more than a statewide average: a resort-area house can cost several times as much as a smaller city apartment.
What Average Daily Rate Means
Average daily rate, or ADR, is the average nightly rate paid for booked nights in a market. It is useful for comparing destinations, but it is not the same as the final price of a specific stay. Your checkout total may also include a cleaning fee, pet or extra-guest charges, an Airbnb service fee, and lodging taxes.
Note: A market ADR mixes different property sizes. A town with many three- and four-bedroom vacation homes can show a high average even when a few studios or private rooms cost much less.
Popular Areas for Vermont Vacation Rentals and Their Average Costs
Vermont prices change substantially between city destinations, lake communities, and ski towns. The table below uses trailing-12-month market data updated July 5, 2026. Use it as a planning benchmark, then search your exact dates and guest count.
Products Worth Considering
Average Rental Prices Overview
| Vermont Market | Average Daily Rate | Average Occupancy |
|---|---|---|
| Montpelier | $169 | 60% |
| Brattleboro | $186 | 52% |
| Burlington | $250 | 60% |
| South Burlington | $279 | 56% |
| Wilmington | $419 | 36% |
| Stowe | $580 | 44% |
| Killington | $586 | 42% |
| Ludlow | $622 | 40% |
These averages do not mean every listing costs that amount. For example, Ludlow’s market contains a very high share of entire-home listings, while Burlington includes more smaller urban stays. Compare properties with the same bedroom count and guest capacity for a fairer estimate.
Top Locations for Rentals
Burlington and South Burlington work well for travelers who want restaurants, museums, Lake Champlain access, and city conveniences. Their 2026 market ADRs are far below the major ski-town averages.
Stowe, Killington, and Ludlow are premium resort markets. Large homes, ski access, hot tubs, mountain views, and multi-bedroom layouts push market averages higher. These destinations can still offer lower-cost rooms or small condos, but they are less likely to stay under $200 during busy periods.
Montpelier, Brattleboro, Bennington, and Shaftsbury can be better starting points for budget searches. They may also work as bases for day trips, depending on your itinerary and driving tolerance.
Seasonal Price Variations
Vermont has several demand peaks rather than one universal high season. Winter raises demand near ski resorts, summer supports lake and outdoor travel, and fall foliage draws visitors across the state. The official Vermont Tourism foliage guidance says peak color commonly occurs from late September into the first or second week of October, although timing changes by year and location.
| Season | Where Demand Often Rises | Budget Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Stowe, Killington, Ludlow, other ski areas | Avoid holiday weekends; compare nearby towns |
| Spring | Maple events and late ski weekends | Look after ski season and before summer demand |
| Summer | Lake Champlain, cabins, family destinations | Choose weekdays or inland locations |
| Fall | Scenic towns and mountain regions statewide | Book early or travel outside peak foliage weekends |
Seasonal Price Fluctuations: When to Book for Best Rates
There is no single cheapest month for every Vermont destination. A low-demand date in a ski town may be expensive in a lake market, and foliage weekends can raise prices in places that are quieter at other times.
For the best chance of saving, compare:
- Weekdays versus weekends: Sunday through Thursday often has more availability outside holidays and events.
- Peak dates versus shoulder dates: Moving a trip by one or two weeks can matter during foliage, school breaks, and ski holidays.
- Core destination versus nearby town: A 20- to 40-minute drive may reduce the nightly rate, but include fuel, parking, and winter-road convenience in the comparison.
- Short stay versus longer stay: A weekly discount can reduce the effective nightly cost and spread a cleaning fee across more nights.
Pro Tip: Run the same search with flexible dates and the same guest count. Compare the final total divided by the number of nights, not the crossed-out or headline nightly price.
Key Factors That Affect Airbnb Rental Prices in Vermont
The largest price drivers are location, property size, date, and amenities. A one-bedroom apartment in Montpelier should not be compared with a four-bedroom ski home in Stowe.
- Destination: Resort towns generally have higher ADRs than smaller cities and year-round residential markets.
- Bedrooms and guest capacity: Larger homes cost more per night but may cost less per person for a group.
- Season and event dates: Ski weekends, holidays, summer lake trips, weddings, college events, and foliage weekends can raise demand.
- Location within the market: Walkability, water access, ski access, views, and distance from attractions affect price.
- Amenities: Hot tubs, fireplaces, air conditioning, EV charging, pet acceptance, parking, and laundry can support higher rates.
- Minimum-stay rules: A low nightly rate may require a longer stay, while one- or two-night bookings can have a higher effective cost.
- Fee structure: Cleaning fees and service fees can make two similar nightly rates produce very different totals.
Best Value Vermont Vacation Rentals Under $200/Night
Sub-$200 rentals still exist, but they are easier to find in some markets than others. June 2026 market ADRs were about $169 in Montpelier, $186 in Brattleboro, and $195 in Shaftsbury. Bennington averaged about $214, so individual listings may still fall below $200 on selected dates.
To improve your odds:
- Search for studios, private rooms, guest suites, and one-bedroom apartments.
- Reduce the number of bedrooms instead of filtering only by the maximum total price.
- Check Montpelier, Brattleboro, Shaftsbury, Bennington, Barton, and Saint Albans before premium resort towns.
- Travel midweek and avoid holiday, foliage, and ski-event dates.
- Compare the final total because a $185 listing with a large cleaning fee can cost more than a $210 listing with lower fees.
Warning: Do not rely on an old article naming a specific rental and price. Vacation-rental rates, availability, fees, ownership, and listing status can change at any time.
How to Save on Vermont Vacation Rentals
Use the following process to reduce the real cost of your stay:
- Set the guest count correctly. Some listings add extra-guest charges or enforce strict occupancy limits.
- Search a wider map. Compare the main destination with nearby towns, then calculate the extra driving cost.
- Test multiple trip lengths. A three-night or seven-night stay may unlock a discount that changes the effective nightly price.
- Compare total prices. Include cleaning fees, service fees, taxes, pet fees, and parking.
- Review cancellation terms. A cheaper nonrefundable booking may be poor value when your plans are uncertain.
- Check essential amenities. Free parking, a kitchen, laundry, or EV charging may reduce costs elsewhere in your trip.
- Book popular dates early, then recheck. Flexible cancellation can let you secure a suitable property while continuing to compare prices.
Total Price Comparison Formula
Use this formula for every listing:
Total trip cost = nightly rate × nights + cleaning fee + pet or extra-guest fees + Airbnb service fee + lodging taxes + any disclosed property charges.
Then divide the total by the number of nights or guests. This gives you a more useful effective nightly or per-person cost.
Understanding Rental Fees for Vermont Rentals
The advertised nightly rate is only one part of the price. Airbnb explains that a reservation total can include the host’s nightly price, host-added fees, Airbnb service fees, and local taxes. Review the complete price breakdown before booking.
Rental Fee Breakdown
- Nightly rate: The price for each night, sometimes adjusted for weekends, events, or seasonal demand.
- Cleaning fee: A host-set fee that varies by listing. There is no dependable statewide standard.
- Pet or extra-guest fee: Charged only when the listing applies one.
- Airbnb service fee: Some stays use a split-fee structure in which guests may pay 14.1% to 16.5% of the booking subtotal. Other listings use a host-only fee structure, so the guest may not see a separate Airbnb service fee.
- Vermont lodging taxes: Vermont imposes a 9% rooms tax. Qualifying short-term rentals are also subject to a 3% short-term rental impact surcharge.
- Local rooms tax: Vermont municipalities may adopt a 1% local rooms tax, so the applicable lodging-tax rate can be higher in participating locations.
Seasonal Price Variations
Taxes are percentage-based, so a more expensive stay usually produces a larger tax amount. A fixed cleaning fee also affects short trips more heavily. For example, the same cleaning fee spread across seven nights creates a lower effective nightly cost than it does across two nights.
Additional Charges Explained
Airbnb’s current fee structure is not identical for every host. Airbnb states that split-fee bookings can charge guests 14.1% to 16.5% of the booking subtotal, while many software-connected hosts moved to a 15.5% host-only service fee in April 2026. This is why two listings with similar base rates may show different checkout totals.
Note: Vermont tax law defines taxable rent broadly. Use the tax amount shown in the booking platform’s checkout breakdown rather than estimating tax from the nightly rate alone.
Vermont Airbnb Booking Checklist
- Confirm the exact town and travel time to your main attraction.
- Check bedroom count, bed types, and maximum occupancy.
- Review parking, winter access, heating, air conditioning, and pet rules.
- Read recent reviews for cleanliness, road noise, Wi-Fi, and host communication.
- Compare the full checkout total with hotels and other short-term rentals.
- Read cancellation, refund, and house-rule terms before paying.
- Save the listing, receipt, and check-in instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I charge per night for my Vermont Airbnb?
Do not use one statewide rate. Build a comparable set from nearby listings with the same bedroom count, guest capacity, amenities, and season. Current market ADRs range from under $200 in some smaller cities to more than $600 in resort markets, so a $299 blanket recommendation could seriously overprice or underprice a property.
Is Vermont good for Airbnb hosts?
Vermont has year-round tourism, but performance varies widely by market and season. Hosts should evaluate local demand, operating costs, insurance, taxes, and municipal rules before relying on projected income. Burlington and other municipalities may have registration, zoning, or primary-residence requirements.
What is the 75-55 rule for Airbnb?
It is not an official Airbnb rule, and online definitions are inconsistent. Some hosts and lenders use “75-55” as an informal occupancy or pricing benchmark. It should not replace local comparable data, seasonality, expenses, or Airbnb’s official pricing tools.
What is the average nightly rate for an Airbnb in Vermont?
There is no verified single statewide figure that fits every destination. June 2026 market ADRs included about $169 in Montpelier, $250 in Burlington, $279 in South Burlington, $580 in Stowe, $586 in Killington, and $622 in Ludlow.
How much tax is added to a Vermont Airbnb?
Vermont charges a 9% rooms tax, and qualifying short-term rentals also face a 3% impact surcharge. A municipality may add a 1% local rooms tax. The exact taxable amount and total appear in the checkout price breakdown.
When are Vermont vacation rentals usually cheapest?
Cheaper dates depend on the destination. Shoulder-season weekdays outside ski holidays, summer lake demand, and peak foliage weekends often offer better value. Compare flexible dates instead of assuming one month is cheapest statewide.
Conclusion
Vermont Airbnb costs cannot be reduced to one dependable statewide average. Current market data shows a broad range, from lower-cost city markets such as Montpelier and Brattleboro to premium resort destinations such as Stowe, Killington, and Ludlow. Compare similar properties, travel outside peak dates when possible, and judge every option by its full checkout total after fees and taxes.
Sources
- AirDNA Vermont Short-Term Rental Data — market directory and June 2026 town-level data.
- AirDNA Burlington Market Overview — Burlington ADR, occupancy, listings, and annual revenue.
- AirDNA Stowe Market Overview — Stowe ADR, occupancy, listings, and annual revenue.
- Airbnb Service Fees — current split-fee and host-only fee structures.
- 32 V.S.A. § 9242 — Vermont’s 9% meals and rooms tax.
- 32 V.S.A. § 9301 — Vermont’s 3% short-term rental impact surcharge.
