Bristol, PA vs Rochester, PA

The cost of living difference between Bristol, PA and Rochester, PA is dramatic. Rochester is 45.4% cheaper than Bristol, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 94 while Rochester sits at 65, 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 $744/month in Rochester — a 72% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rochester is more affordable at $109,300 median vs $236,400.

Median household income in Bristol is $70,595 compared to $40,710 in Rochester (+73.4%). While Bristol is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 21.8% of their income on rent, less than the 21.9% in Rochester.