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Bristol, Tennessee Retirement Guide
Retirement Score
Bristol, Tennessee at a Glance
- Median Home Price
- $165,600
- State Income Tax
- No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
- Avg January Low
- 35.9°F
- Cost of Living Index
- 91.8 (US avg = 100)
- RetireCityIQ Score
- 70 / 100
Overview
Explore the key retirement factors for Bristol, Tennessee, including cost of living, taxes, healthcare quality, and climate data.
Cost of Living
Affordability Metrics
Bristol's cost of living is 8.200000000000003% below the national average. For a detailed breakdown of expenses, see our cost of living methodology.
Housing
Real Estate & Housing
10-Year Housing Stress Test (Estimate)
Estimate monthly homeowner carrying cost in Bristol using median home price and adjustable assumptions. Stress case applies +10% property tax, +20% insurance, +10% maintenance.
Estimated monthly carrying cost
$359
Stress-case monthly carrying cost
$403
Median home price used: $165,600
Median rent reference: $746 / month
Estimate includes property tax, insurance, maintenance reserve, and HOA. It excludes mortgage, utilities, and one-time transaction costs.
Budget validation
Calculate if your savings last in this city
Use RetireFree to test whether your portfolio can support retirement in Bristol, Tennessee after local housing costs, taxes, healthcare, inflation, and withdrawal timing.
Open the RetireFree Calculator →Healthcare
Access & Quality
Quality of care and specialist availability are critical for a successful retirement. Bristol scores 43.1 out of 100 for healthcare access.
Care planning link
Find local assisted living in Bristol
If your city research includes aging parents, future care needs, or a move closer to family, compare local care options alongside housing and healthcare access.
Assisted living in Bristol →Taxes
State Tax Climate
Tennessee has a tax environment that is highly favorable for retirees.Read more in our detailed Tennessee tax guide.
Climate
Weather & Environment
With 220 sunny days a year and an average January low of 35.9°F, Bristol offers a traditional winter climate.
Safety & Walkability
Community Safety
Walkability
Demographics
Population Profile
Diversity Breakdown
Frequently asked questions about retiring in Bristol
What is the cost of living in Bristol, Tennessee for retirees?▾
The cost-of-living index is 92, roughly 8% below the national average of 100. Median home price is around $165,600.
Does Tennessee tax Social Security or retirement income?▾
For Tennessee residents: No state income tax; Social Security and pension income fully exempt.
What is the climate like in Bristol, Tennessee?▾
Bristol, Tennessee has January average low around 36°F, July average high around 69°F. Climate normals are based on 30-year averages from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information.
What is healthcare access like in Bristol, Tennessee?▾
Bristol scores 43/100 on the RetireCityIQ healthcare access index — a adequate score. The index combines CMS hospital quality ratings, Medicare Advantage plan availability, and hospitals per 100,000 residents (KFF + CMS data).