Bristol, PA vs Northern Cambria, PA

The cost of living difference between Bristol, PA and Northern Cambria, PA is dramatic. Northern Cambria is 75.2% cheaper than Bristol, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 94 while Northern Cambria sits at 54, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Bristol is $1,281/month compared to $521/month in Northern Cambria — a 146% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Northern Cambria is more affordable at $84,400 median vs $236,400.

Median household income in Bristol is $70,595 compared to $50,448 in Northern Cambria (+39.9%). The higher salaries in Bristol partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, more than the 12.4% in Northern Cambria.