Bristol, VA vs Manassas, VA

The cost of living difference between Bristol, VA and Manassas, VA is dramatic. Bristol is 48.3% cheaper than Manassas, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 67 while Manassas sits at 130, 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 $1,835/month in Manassas — a 58% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bristol is more affordable at $168,700 median vs $434,700.

Median household income in Bristol is $44,706 compared to $117,919 in Manassas (-62.1%). While Manassas 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, more than the 18.7% in Manassas.