Bristol, TN

Very Low · 56

Tennessee · Population 27,490 · Updated March 2026

$764
Median Rent / Month
$55,007
Median Income
$182,500
Median Home Value
$820
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Bristol

16.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in Tennessee

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

0%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
7.0%
Sales Tax
0.64%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$9,168
Annual Rent
$0
State Income Tax
$1,168
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Bristol is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 56 (where 100 equals the national median), Bristol residents can expect to pay median rent of $764/month while earning a median household income of $55,007/year.

The median home value in Bristol, TN is $182,500, with typical monthly owner costs around $820 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can represent significant savings compared to high-tax states. Combined with a 7.0% sales tax rate and 0.64% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment helps keep costs manageable in Bristol.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Bristol

What is the cost of living in Bristol, TN?
The cost of living index in Bristol, TN is 56 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $764, median household income is $55,007/year, and the median home value is $182,500.
Is Bristol, TN affordable?
Yes, Bristol is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 56. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.7%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Bristol, TN?
The median gross rent in Bristol, TN is $764 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $9,168.
What is the median household income in Bristol?
The median household income in Bristol, TN is $55,007 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a top income tax rate of 0%, a sales tax of 7.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.64%. Notably, there is no state income tax.