Cost of Living in Bristol, TN

With a cost of living index of 68, Bristol, TN is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 32% cheaper than the national average and 13% below the Tennessee state average of 80. With a population of 27,490, Bristol is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Bristol's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $764 (42% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $182,500 (40% 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 $55,007, which is 27% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% 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.

Everyday prices in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 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.