Cost of Living in Bristol, RI
Population 22,317 · Rhode Island · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bristol sits on the smaller end of the Rhode Island city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 13 miles southeast of Providence, Bristol falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 39% higher than Providence's $323,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bristol
The median home value in Bristol is $447,500 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,352/month, 3% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $96,005/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Rhode Island's top state income tax rate is 6.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 61.1°F and lows of 43.1°F, with about 36.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bristol has a cost of living index of 129 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 29% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 48 | 59 | 69 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 22 | 24 | 30 | 40 | 49 | 59 | 65 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 36 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.96 | 3.44 | 4.90 | 4.29 | 3.37 | 3.81 | 2.91 | 3.59 | 4.17 | 4.18 | 4.27 | 4.65 |
| Snow" | 10.3 | 10.5 | 6.4 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 7.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bristol, RI?
Bristol has a cost index of 129 (100 = national average). It is 29% above the national average.
What is average rent in Bristol, RI?
The median gross rent in Bristol is $1,352 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $447,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol is $96,005 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bristol, RI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bristol is 7.0%. The Rhode Island state income tax top rate is 6.0%.
Is Bristol, RI affordable?
Bristol is above average in cost of living, with an index of 129 — about 29% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Bristol?
Bristol has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 43.1°F. Annual precipitation is 47.5". Average annual snowfall is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bristol at a Glance
- Population
- 22,317
- Median Income
- $96,005
- Home Value
- $447,500
- Median Rent
- $1,352/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Rhode Island Rankings
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