Bristol, VT vs Island Pond, VT

The cost of living difference between Bristol, VT and Island Pond, VT is dramatic. Island Pond is 43% cheaper than Bristol, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 99 while Island Pond sits at 69, 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 $1,290/month compared to $795/month in Island Pond — a 62% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Island Pond is more affordable at $118,900 median vs $298,200.

Median household income in Bristol is $71,372 compared to $47,500 in Island Pond (+50.3%). 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 21.7% of their income on rent, more than the 20.1% in Island Pond.