Boston, MA vs New Bedford, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
New Bedford has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Boston | New Bedford | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 158 | 93 | New Bedford |
| Housing | 204 ($1,465) | 93 ($760) | New Bedford |
| Transportation | 105 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Boston |
| Food & groceries | 127 ($521) | 75 ($308) | New Bedford |
| Utilities | 152 ($367) | 97 ($167) | New Bedford |
| Healthcare | 152 ($265) | 97 ($121) | New Bedford |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 131 ($63,590) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Boston, MA or New Bedford, MA cheaper to live in?
New Bedford, MA is cheaper overall by about 65 index points (Boston, MA: 158, New Bedford, MA: 93; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Boston, MA vs New Bedford, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $55,300/year in Boston, MA and $32,550/year in New Bedford, MA to cover basic living costs.