Cost of Living in Bristol, PA

With a cost of living index of 94, Bristol, PA is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 6% cheaper than the national average and 11% above the Pennsylvania state average of 83. Bristol is a smaller community of 9,874 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bristol's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,281 (3% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $236,400 (22% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.3x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Bristol is $70,595, which is 6% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 22% 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 56.4°F, with summers averaging 76°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 45 inches spread over roughly 130 days.

Everyday prices in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

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.