VTI vs VEA: Head-to-Head Comparison
VTI vs VEA: Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF charges 0.05%. VTI holds 3,644 securities vs VEA's 4,050. 5-year returns: 15.20% vs 6.50%.
Last updated: April 2026
US vs International
Quick Verdict
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| AUM | $430.0B | $120.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.10% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 4,050 |
| 1-Year Return | 25.80% | 9.20% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.20% | 6.50% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 12.80% | 5.50% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.82 |
| P/E Ratio | 24.5 | 15.2 |
VTI 5-year annualized return is 15.20% compared to VEA's 6.50%. Over 10 years, VTI returned 12.80% vs VEA's 5.50%.
View data table
| Period | VTI Return | VEA Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 2.90% | 1.70% |
| 1 Year | 25.80% | 9.20% |
| 3 Year | 10.20% | 4.20% |
| 5 Year | 15.20% | 6.50% |
| 10 Year | 12.80% | 5.50% |
Key Differences Between VTI and VEA
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) is a u.s. total market fund managed by Vanguard. VTI gives you exposure to the entire U.S. stock market in one fund, covering large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. With over 3,600 holdings, it is one of the most diversified U.S. equity ETFs you can buy. Beginners often choose VTI over S&P 500 funds because it includes smaller companies that have historically provided additional growth potential.
VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) is a international developed fund managed by Vanguard. VEA provides broad exposure to stocks in developed countries outside the United States, including companies in Europe, Japan, Australia, and Canada. With over 4,000 holdings, it is one of the most diversified international ETFs available. Beginners choose VEA to add international developed market exposure to their portfolios at an incredibly low cost of just 0.05%.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.05%), number of holdings (3,644 vs 4,050), and 5-year returns (15.20% vs 6.50%).
VTI vs VEA multi-factor comparison: VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.20% 5-year return, 3,644 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. VEA has 0.05% expense ratio, 6.50% 5-year return, 4,050 holdings, 0.82 beta, and 3.10% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.20% | 6.50% |
| Holdings | 3,644 | 4,050 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.82 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 3.10% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VEA share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VTI and VEA share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). VTI has 3,644 total holdings and VEA has 4,050.
View data table
| Metric | VTI | VEA |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 3,644 | 4,050 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VTI
Fee cost: $258
VEA
Fee cost: $430
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $172 on a $10,000 investment. VTI saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VTI (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while VEA (0.05% fee) grows to $46,180. The fee difference costs $171.
View data table
| Year | VTI Value | VEA Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,659 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,490 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,502 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $46,180 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose VTI if: You want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, beginners building a simple two-fund or three-fund portfolio, long-term investors who want small-cap exposure alongside large-caps. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Choose VEA if: You want investors who want developed market international exposure without emerging markets, cost-conscious investors seeking the cheapest way to diversify outside the u.s., portfolio builders who want to pair vea with a separate emerging markets fund like vwo. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.05%.
Can You Own Both VTI and VEA?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, VTI and VEA complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy VTI or VEA?▾
Both ETFs score equally well for beginners (9.5/10). Your choice depends on your specific investment goals. However, both are solid options. VTI is best for investors who want investors who want complete u.s. stock market coverage in a single fund, while VEA is better suited for investors who want developed market international exposure without emerging markets.
What is the difference between VTI and VEA?▾
VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) tracks u.s. total market investments with 3,644 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. VEA (Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF) focuses on international developed with 4,050 holdings at 0.05%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both VTI and VEA?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, VTI and VEA complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.