Cost of Living in Bristol, VA
Population 17,024 · Virginia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Bristol run well below national norms — a median of $44,706 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $169,000).
Located 110 miles east of Knoxville, Bristol is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Knoxville's $214,000.
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 $168,700 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $775/month, 41% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,706/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. Virginia's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 5.6%. The climate averages highs of 68.2°F and lows of 44.9°F, with about 9.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Bristol has a cost of living index of 57 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% less 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 | 47 | 51 | 59 | 69 | 77 | 84 | 86 | 86 | 81 | 70 | 59 | 50 |
| Low °F | 26 | 29 | 35 | 43 | 52 | 61 | 65 | 63 | 56 | 44 | 34 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.65 | 3.81 | 3.96 | 3.79 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 5.00 | 3.76 | 2.84 | 2.52 | 3.14 | 3.76 |
| Snow" | 3.0 | 3.0 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 1.7 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bristol, VA?
Bristol has a cost index of 57 (100 = national average). It is 43% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bristol, VA?
The median gross rent in Bristol is $775 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bristol?
The median home value in Bristol is $168,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol is $44,706 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bristol, VA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bristol is 5.6%. The Virginia state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Bristol, VA affordable?
Yes, Bristol is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 57 — about 43% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Bristol?
Bristol has average high temperatures of 68.2°F and average lows of 44.9°F. Annual precipitation is 44". Average annual snowfall is 9.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Bristol at a Glance
- Population
- 17,024
- Median Income
- $44,706
- Home Value
- $168,700
- Median Rent
- $775/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 68.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Virginia Rankings
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