Cost of Living in Bristol, NH

With a cost of living index of 92, Bristol, NH is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 8% cheaper than the national average and 10% below the New Hampshire state average of 102. Bristol is a small community of 2,157 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bristol's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,270 (4% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $192,900 (37% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.2x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bristol is $60,972, which is 19% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 25% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Bristol. The area sees an average annual temperature of 46°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.1 inches spread over roughly 150 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.