Retirement Lists

Cost of Living in Bristol, Rhode Island

Bristol, Rhode Island local scene.
Photo by Kenneth C. Zirkel via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bristol cost of living

Bristol's waterfront setting carries a high housing and insurance budget

The town figures show a $485,000 median owner-occupied value, $1,579 median gross rent, $97,764 median household income, and $2,306 in monthly owner costs with a mortgage. The finance page lists a $13.36 per $1,000 residential tax rate for FY2024 and a $580 annual sewer fee for that year, but the current owner-occupied tier needs confirmation.

A complete budget also includes flood or homeowners insurance, heating, utilities, parking, stairs, maintenance, transfer-station fees, transportation, and care travel. The reviewed packet did not establish current Bristol averages for groceries, utilities, prescriptions, or home care.

Planning a monthly budget

A local monthly estimate of $3,198 gives you the starting point, with housing taking the largest share.

Housing
$1,096
Utilities (in rent)
$322
Food
$603/mo
Transportation
$1,026/mo
Healthcare
$473

Utilities are included in housing so they are not added twice. The separate Utilities row is a reference estimate.

How the total can change

A traveler style stay, a couple household, and long term rent answer different planning questions.

Comfortable Living
$4,549

Good

Cost of Living for Couple
$5,085

Good

Typical 1BR Rent
$1,096

Very Good

Everyday expenses

Dining, transportation, taxes, and car needs can change how the monthly budget feels.

Dining Out
$231/mo

Excellent

Need for a Car
Required
Property Taxes
Moderate

Fair

Overall Feel
Moderate
Residents 65+ Below Poverty Level
6.5%
65+ Householder — Renter Occupied
25.7%
65+ Households With High Housing Costs
37.0%
Median Household Income, Householder 65+
$80,179

Could Bristol fit your monthly retirement budget?

Compare your monthly budget with a city estimate. Add your expected housing amount when you have a more useful number.

Housing

Enter your expected rent and required housing charges, or leave this blank to use the current renter amount.

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Starting renter estimates

Use these broad monthly estimates as a starting point, then replace them with costs you know.

One person
$3,198 per month
Two people
$5,085 per month

One-person estimate breakdown

Housing
$1,096
Food
$603
Transportation
$1,026
Healthcare
$473

Taxes, debt, insurance, out-of-pocket care, travel, and one-time moving costs may not be included.

Bristol in everyday life

Could Bristol work for you?

What may work well

  • Town housing and income benchmarks are clear.
  • Route 60 and local services can reduce some driving.
  • A strong local park and central setting can support low-cost days.

What to think about

  • Housing is expensive by town standards.
  • Flood and homeowners insurance may materially change the monthly plan.
  • Current utility, grocery, home-care, and exact tax-tier figures need confirmation.

Price Bristol through taxes, insurance, and the coast

  1. Confirm the current parcel bill

    Check owner-occupied tax tier, sewer, utilities, insurance, flood coverage, parking, and maintenance for the exact home.

  2. Model transport

    Compare Route 60, bike path, senior transportation if eligible, car, ride service, Newport, Providence, and airport trips.

  3. Price weather exposure

    Request elevation, flood zone, basement, drainage, evacuation, power, roof, and insurance information.

  4. Reserve for care and repairs

    Include prescriptions, medical travel, home support, heating, snow, coastal work, and companion time.

Questions retirees ask

What is Bristol's median rent?

The town median gross rent is $1,579 in the 2020 to 2024 ACS estimates. Current listings, utilities, deposits, and neighborhood differences require checking.

What should be added to a Bristol home budget?

Add property tax, sewer, heating, utilities, flood and homeowners insurance, parking, stairs, maintenance, transport, prescriptions, and care travel.

Is the $13.36 tax rate current?

The finance page lists it for FY2024 and describes a later owner-occupied structure. Confirm the current tier and parcel bill before relying on it.

Can Route 60 replace a car?

It connects Bristol with Providence and Newport, but route frequency, distance from the home, weather, care, shopping, and evening service determine how much a car remains useful.

Bristol's budget is shaped by high housing costs and the coastal property file. Price the exact address through tax, sewer, insurance, flood, heating, transport, care, and repairs before choosing the waterfront setting.

Sources

The budget value gives a starting point for everyday spending. Housing, healthcare, safety, and climate can change what feels comfortable for a household.

Housing mix, exchange rates, healthcare needs, car ownership, and travel style can move a real monthly budget materially.

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How this city research is made

Retirement Lists uses documented public sources and methods to research, review, and correct city information. Read our Editorial Policy.