The math
Lodging is the hard part. Hostel bed at Burlington’s Hostel VT: $42. State park campsite: $22-$27. Off-season motel in Rutland or St. Johnsbury: $65-$85 shared. Food: diner breakfast $10, deli sandwich $9, grocery-store dinner from Hannaford or Shaw’s $12. That leaves $15-$20 for coffee, one attraction, and gas. It works only if you camp or hostel and cook most meals.
Free and cheap things
State parks: $5 day-use fee. Hiking: entirely free. Church Street Burlington: free entertainment. Ben & Jerry’s tour: $6. Most covered bridges, waterfalls, and swimming holes: free. Skinny Pancake and the Skinny Pancake at BTV: $10-$14 for a real meal. Vermont Country Store samples: free. Library sales for cheap paperbacks: pocket change. Skip: paid museums (except Shelburne once), resort activities, and any 'Vermont-branded' gift shop.
The realistic caveat
Foliage season and ski season kill this budget entirely — lodging alone hits $200+. Come mid-May through mid-June or November for the best shot at $50/day. Bring a tent.
Good to know
Can I do Vermont in winter on $50?+
Only if you’re staying with friends or truly hostel-hopping. Winter lodging averages $180+ statewide.
Best cheap food in Vermont?+
Wayside Restaurant in Berlin for classic diner. Bove’s in Burlington for cheap Italian. Any general store for a $8 maple creemee and sandwich lunch.