New Bedford, MA vs Providence, RI: Cost of Living Comparison
New Bedford has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | New Bedford | Providence | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 93 | 96 | New Bedford |
| Housing | 93 ($760) | 93 ($933) | Tie |
| Transportation | 108 ($3.50) | 108 ($3.50) | Tie |
| Food & groceries | 75 ($308) | 89 ($365) | New Bedford |
| Utilities | 97 ($167) | 97 ($167) | Tie |
| Healthcare | 97 ($121) | 97 ($121) | Tie |
| Median annual wage | 131 ($63,590) | 117 ($56,780) | Providence |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Bedford, MA or Providence, RI cheaper to live in?
New Bedford, MA is cheaper overall by about 3 index points (New Bedford, MA: 93, Providence, RI: 96; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in New Bedford, MA vs Providence, RI?
A single adult needs roughly $32,550/year in New Bedford, MA and $33,600/year in Providence, RI to cover basic living costs.