Bristol, VA vs Dumfries, VA

The cost of living difference between Bristol, VA and Dumfries, VA is dramatic. Bristol is 42.2% cheaper than Dumfries, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 67 while Dumfries sits at 116, 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 $775/month compared to $1,743/month in Dumfries — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bristol is more affordable at $168,700 median vs $303,700.

Median household income in Bristol is $44,706 compared to $78,373 in Dumfries (-43%). While Dumfries 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 20.8% of their income on rent, less than the 26.7% in Dumfries.