Bristol, TN vs Collegedale, TN

The cost of living difference between Bristol, TN and Collegedale, TN is dramatic. Bristol is 34.2% cheaper than Collegedale, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 68 while Collegedale sits at 103, 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 $764/month compared to $1,435/month in Collegedale — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bristol is more affordable at $182,500 median vs $332,700.

Median household income in Bristol is $55,007 compared to $64,905 in Collegedale (-15.2%). Collegedale does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 26.5% in Collegedale.