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City Report · RI

Bristol

·12th most expensive in Rhode Island·Rental market data updated monthly for Bristol, RI
Median rent (all units)
$2,181/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.7%
Month-over-Month
-0.9%
vs US Median
+$216
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Bristol · $2,181
More expensive than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
36% of income
MODERATE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,181/mo, rent takes about 36% of the US median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$87,000/yr
US median income
$72,000/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Bristol's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,340
1 BR
$1,430
2 BR
$1,750
3 BR
$2,110
4 BR+
$2,560
Research median
$1,750/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$26,172/yr
At $2,181/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 0.7% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.7% YoY, -0.9% MoM), not inventory.
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Community

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View Bristol rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Bristol on your salary?

At $2,181/mo, how Bristol rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Bristol rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Bristol. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Bristol

About renting in Bristol, RI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Bristol is $2,181/mo as of July 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 36% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Bristol ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.7% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Bristol an affordable city for renters?

Bristol is considered moderate for renters. At $2,181/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Bristol slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Bristol?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $87,000/year (~$42/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,181/mo in Bristol.

Is rent going up or down in Bristol?

Rent in Bristol has decreased 0.7% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Bristol rent compare to other cities in Rhode Island?

Bristol is middle-of-the-pack for Rhode Island for rent, ranking #12 out of 24 tracked cities at $2,181/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Bristol?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Bristol ($2,181/mo): Fall River ($1,811/mo), East Providence ($1,908/mo), Warren ($2,063/mo).

How does Bristol rent compare to the national average?

Bristol's median rent of $2,181/mo is $216 (11%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Rhode Island, it ranks #12 out of 24 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $2,181/mo, rent takes ~36% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Bristol 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.75–5.99%
Run the Bristol affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Bristol
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Bristol, RI

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