Bristol, VT vs Orleans, VT

The cost of living difference between Bristol, VT and Orleans, VT is dramatic. Orleans is 39.1% cheaper than Bristol, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Bristol has a cost index of 99 while Orleans sits at 71, 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 $757/month in Orleans — a 70% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Orleans is more affordable at $156,300 median vs $298,200.

Median household income in Bristol is $71,372 compared to $57,604 in Orleans (+23.9%). The higher salaries in Bristol partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Bristol spend roughly 21.7% of their income on rent, more than the 15.8% in Orleans.