At $2,939/mo, rent takes about 49% of the US median household income, well above the 30% benchmark.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,939 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in Bristol changed +4.8% over the year to September 2026. Across the 19 Rhode Island cities Zillow tracks, the typical change was +4.9%.
Rent has risen 3 months in a row, and rose in 8 of the last 12 months.
Warren, 3 miles away, rents for 18% less ($2,410/mo), about $6,300 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Bristol.
Is your rent fair?
Compare your rent to the local median.
Discussions about Bristol
No discussions yet. Start the conversation.
Can you afford rent in Bristol on your salary?
At $2,939/mo, how Bristol rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Bristol rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Bristol. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Bristol
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Bristol is $2,939/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,340/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,750/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,430/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,110/mo.
At 49% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Bristol ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.8% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
How much income do you need to rent in Bristol?
Is rent going up or down in Bristol?
How does Bristol rent compare to other cities in Rhode Island?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bristol?
At $2,939/mo, rent takes ~49% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
How does this area stack up?
Pick another city or ZIP to compare.
Estimated from ZIP-level data
Be the first to submit your rent for Bristol.
No discussions yet.