Cost of living in Bristol city, VA
Part of the Kingsport Metro Area
Population 17,024 · Last updated May 21, 2026
Cost breakdown
Single person, by category, per month.
Rent in Bristol city
Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.
Source: HUD FMR FY2025
Income and earnings in Bristol city
Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.
Home values in Bristol city
Average values reported by homeowners.
Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
Energy costs in Bristol city
Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.
Source: EIA
Healthcare in Bristol city
Insurance premiums and coverage rates.
Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.
Taxes in Bristol city
State and local tax rates for Virginia.
Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.
Transportation in Bristol city
Commute patterns and estimated costs.
Source: ACS
Monthly cost estimates for Bristol city
What it costs to live in Bristol city each month.
- Rent $824
- Energy $202
- Water $55
- Groceries $355
- Transport $320
- Healthcare $480
- Federal tax $467
- State tax $163
- Rent $1,043
- Energy $242
- Water $65
- Groceries $588
- Transport $420
- Healthcare $864
- Federal tax $414
- State tax $193
- Rent $1,343
- Energy $303
- Water $75
- Groceries $893
- Transport $520
- Healthcare $1,350
- Childcare $1,200
- Federal tax $414
- State tax $193
Frequently asked questions about Bristol city
Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.
What is the average rent in Bristol city?
In Bristol city, VA, a one-bedroom apartment averages $824 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,043 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,343 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.
What is the average salary in Bristol city?
In Bristol city, VA, the average household income is $44,706 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $38,593 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
What is the cost of living in Bristol city?
The estimated cost of living in Bristol city, VA is approximately $2,866 per month for a single person, $3,829 for a couple, $6,291 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.
What is the sales tax rate in Bristol city?
The combined sales tax rate in Bristol city, VA is 5.75%, which includes the Virginia state rate of 5.30% plus an average local rate of 0.45%.
Is Bristol city an affordable place to live?
Based on the data, a single person in Bristol city, VA would need approximately $2,866 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $44,706 per year ($3,726 per month). Bristol city has a high cost of living relative to local earnings.
How much does healthcare cost in Bristol city?
The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Bristol city, VA is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 11.2% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.
What are house prices in Bristol city?
The average home value in Bristol city, VA is $168,700, with average annual property taxes of $1,294, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
How does Bristol city compare to other areas?
You can compare Bristol city, VA with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Bristol city is in the Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA metro area.
Other counties in Virginia
Browse the full list of counties in Virginia, ranked by cost of living.
See all counties in VirginiaCompare Bristol city with another area
Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.
About this data
All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.
- HUD FMR FY2025
- ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
- EIA
- ACS + national avg
- ACS
- USDA + BEA RPP