Cost of Living in Bristol County, Massachusetts
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bristol County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bristol County ranks #2,089 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bristol County, Massachusetts
Bristol balances affordability with stability
Bristol County renters spend just 16.8% of their income on housing, beating both the national average and Massachusetts' state benchmark of 19.3%. With a median household income of $84,198 and rent at $1,181 monthly, Bristol offers solid affordability compared to most U.S. counties.
Bristol among Massachusetts' best values
Bristol County ranks among the most affordable in Massachusetts with a rent-to-income ratio of 16.8%, sitting comfortably below the state average of 19.3%. Its $1,181 median rent undercuts the state median by $377, delivering real savings for renters.
Affordable without sacrificing income levels
Bristol's rent of $1,181 and median income of $84,198 position it between lower-cost western counties and pricier eastern ones like Essex and Barnstable. Home values ($421,800) offer a middle ground—cheaper than coastal counties but maintaining strong community fundamentals.
Renters gain, homebuyers face steeper costs
Renters in Bristol pay a lean 16.8% of income ($1,181 monthly), but homeowners dedicate 26.2% to a $1,840 monthly cost on homes worth $421,800. This gap suggests strong rental affordability but a steeper climb to homeownership here.
Providence-metro affordability with Massachusetts roots
Bristol County offers New England living with genuine affordability—especially for renters seeking proximity to Providence or Boston without coastal premiums. If homeownership is your goal, the $421,800 median home value and 26% ownership burden are manageable, though renting stretches your income further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bristol County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bristol County is affordable. The median rent is $1,181/month against a median household income of $84,198, putting rent at 16.8% of income.
Rent vs. Own
At $1,181/month rent versus $1,840/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $659/month cheaper — a 36% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $47,240/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $78,857/year. With a median household income of $84,198, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Bristol County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Hampden County where rent averages $1,105/month, Bristol County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bristol County
Rent Burden
16.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,965
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.2%
of gross income
The median home in Bristol County may be a stretch
Median home value is $421,800. Estimated monthly cost: $3,367 vs. your max of $1,965.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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