Bristol, CT vs New Haven, CT

Bristol, CT and New Haven, CT have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.9% difference in their overall index. Bristol scores 95 while New Haven scores 99 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Bristol is $1,305/month compared to $1,442/month in New Haven — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Bristol has cheaper rent, New Haven actually has lower median home values ($249,000 vs $252,300).

Median household income in Bristol is $83,458 compared to $53,771 in New Haven (+55.2%). Bristol offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 18.8% of their income on rent, less than the 32.2% in New Haven. The Bristol ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.