Bristol, NH vs Marlborough, NH

Bristol, NH and Marlborough, NH have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.6% difference in their overall index. Bristol scores 92 while Marlborough scores 88 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 $1,270/month compared to $1,004/month in Marlborough — a 27% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Marlborough has cheaper rent, Bristol actually has lower median home values ($192,900 vs $241,800).

Median household income in Bristol is $60,972 compared to $65,800 in Marlborough (-7.3%). Marlborough 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 25% of their income on rent, more than the 18.3% in Marlborough.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (46°F vs 46.4°F). Marlborough receives more rainfall at 46.4" per year compared to 38.1" in Bristol.