Cost of Living in Bristol city, Virginia
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bristol city Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bristol city ranks #2,429 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 23%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bristol city, Virginia
Bristol's housing affordability challenge
Bristol city's rent-to-income ratio of 20.8% exceeds the 30% affordability ceiling and significantly outpaces the national norm. With a median income of only $44,706—40% below the national average—Bristol renters face genuine housing stress despite below-average nominal rent of $775.
Struggling among Virginia's housing markets
Bristol's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Virginia's worst, topping the state average of 18.6% by over two percentage points. The city's median income of $44,706 is the lowest in this analysis, making even modest rents like $775 feel burdensome for working households.
Weakest income in the southwest
Bristol's median income of $44,706 trails rural neighbors Bland ($61,375), Buchanan ($42,216), and Brunswick ($52,978) significantly, creating outsized rent burden. Though rents are modest at $775, the low local wages mean housing consumes a larger share of household budgets than in wealthier regions.
Low wages, tight housing budgets
Renters pay $775 monthly (20.8% of income) while homeowners pay $879 (23.6% of income), both exceeding the comfortable 15% threshold. With median income at just $44,706 and median home value at $168,700, Bristol households are stretched thin balancing housing costs against other living expenses.
Bristol: requires careful financial planning
Bristol city's 20.8% rent-to-income ratio and median income of $44,706 signal genuine affordability challenges for renters and buyers. If considering relocation here, prioritize securing employment with wages significantly above the local median—otherwise, housing will consume an outsized portion of your budget.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bristol city
Affordability Verdict
Bristol city offers affordable rental housing at a median of $775/month — about 20.8% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bristol city pay $775/month on average, compared to $879/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 12%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,671/year. With a median household income of $44,706, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Bristol city are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Virginia, Bristol city is less affordable than Floyd County by roughly 6% ($775/mo vs $826/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bristol city
Rent Burden
20.8%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,043
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.6%
of gross income
The median home in Bristol city may be a stretch
Median home value is $168,700. Estimated monthly cost: $1,347 vs. your max of $1,043.
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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