Bristol, NH Utility & Living Guide

⚡ Featured Deal

Essentials for Your New Home

🛒 Shop This Deal Now

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tier 3 Location

Bristol, NH Utility & Living Guide

Bristol is a town in Grafton County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 3,244 at the 2020 census. It is home to Wellington State Park, Sugar Hill State Forest, and Profile Falls on the Smith River. Surrounded by hills and lakes, Bristol includes the lower two-thirds of Newfound Lake, a

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$290/mo
1BR Rent$1100/mo
COL Index118 (+18% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$280,000
📷 Live Cameras — Bristol
Live camera
Live · refreshing...
🌤️ Live Weather — Bristol
Loading weather...
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Bristol
Loading hazard data...
💼 Calculate Your Future Retirement Income

Moving Your Assets to Bristol?

Moving to Bristol? Find out how much retirement income you could generate based on your current savings, age, and goals. Calculate Your Retirement Income → Free · Takes 2 minutes · No personal data required
💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$150/mo

New Hampshire Electric Cooperative
🔥 Gas

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$50/mo

Bristol Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Casella Waste Systems
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$290/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1100/mo
2 Bedrooms$1400/mo
3 Bedrooms$2000/mo
Median Home Price$280,000
Property Tax Rate1.8%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in Bristol is relatively affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes available. Rentals are also available, but may be limited. The town has seen some new development in recent years, but overall, the market remains stable.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

118

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+18% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

94

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Property Tax Rate1.8%
<p>State 0% + No county tax + No city tax</p>

New Hampshire has no state income tax, but does tax dividends and interest income.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.2/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of conservative and liberal views
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries including tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Affordability, traffic, and environmental protection
🚌 Transit for Families

Bristol has limited public transportation, but the town is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Newfound Lake
  • 🎯
    Wellington State Park
  • 🎯
    Bristol Town Beach

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods offer a mix of older and newer homes, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. The area around Newfound Lake is also popular for families, with many summer homes and vacation rentals.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Bristol based on your household profile.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

Find Another City Guide

Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.

📊 Bristol — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in Bristol can fluctuate significantly by season, with higher electricity costs in the summer due to air conditioning and higher heating costs in the winter. However, the town's mild climate means that these fluctuations are not as extreme as in other parts of the country.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 03222 has a property tax millage rate of 24.45, with no local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6: Bristol has some sidewalks and bike lanes, but the town's hilly terrain and limited public transportation can make it challenging for families with strollers. However, the downtown area is relatively flat and walkable, with some parks and playgrounds.

📰 Latest NH Stories
New Hampshire Living Report — July 27, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 27, 2026

New Hampshire has long cultivated a reputation as a quiet, independent-minded corner of New England, and the numbers...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 26, 2026

New Hampshire has long held a certain mystique for those seeking a quieter, more self-reliant way of life,...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 25, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 25, 2026

Located in northern New England, New Hampshire offers a distinct lifestyle that increasingly appeals to families, retirees, and...

Read more →
New Hampshire Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Hampshire Living Report — July 24, 2026

New Hampshire often conjures images of covered bridges, maple syrup, and the rugged White Mountains, but the data...

Read more →
Amazon

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.