Taxes & Insurance in Bristol
Bristol, VA carries Virginia's statewide sales-tax floor, a low and recently reduced real estate tax rate, and a real, near-flat 5.75% state income tax -- a genuine contrast with the no-income-tax, higher-sales-tax Tennessee side of this same twin city.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreVirginia's statewide sales-tax floor applies here
Bristol, VA's combined sales tax rate is 5.3% (4.3% state + 1.0% mandatory local add-on) -- notably lower than Bristol, TN's own 9.25% combined rate documented elsewhere in this dataset (Avalara, retrieved 2026-08-24).
A low, recently reduced real estate tax rate
Bristol, VA's real estate tax rate is 93 cents per $100 of assessed value for FY2026, down from $1.17 the prior year (WCYB, City of Bristol VA official page, retrieved 2026-08-24).
Virginia's near-flat state income tax -- the single biggest tax contrast with the Tennessee side
Virginia's four-bracket schedule functions as a near-flat 5.75% tax for most working filers statewide. Social Security is fully exempt; the age deduction (up to $12,000 for qualifying 65+ filers) phases out between $50,000-$62,000 federal AGI (single) or $75,000-$99,000 (married filing jointly). Tennessee, one block away across State Street, levies no state income tax at all -- a real, genuine, immediately relevant contrast for a shared-downtown twin city.
Homeowners insurance: a real, disclosed research gap
A Bristol, VA-specific homeowners insurance premium was not independently verified this session -- disclosed as a real gap rather than filled with an invented figure. Quote directly with a licensed Virginia insurer before budgeting.
Key takeaways
- Combined sales tax (5.3%) is Virginia's statewide floor, notably lower than the Tennessee side's 9.25% one block away.
- Real estate tax rate was cut to $0.93/$100 for FY2026.
- Virginia's near-flat 5.75% income tax is the single biggest tax contrast with the Tennessee side of this twin city, which has none.
- A Bristol, VA-specific homeowners insurance premium was not independently verified this session -- confirm directly with a licensed Virginia insurer.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Bristol overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert