New Bedford, MA vs Worcester, MA: Cost of Living Comparison
New Bedford has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | New Bedford | Worcester | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 93 | 98 | New Bedford |
| Housing | 93 ($760) | 98 ($991) | New Bedford |
| Transportation | 108 ($3.50) | 106 ($3.50) | Worcester |
| Food & groceries | 75 ($308) | 90 ($369) | New Bedford |
| Utilities | 97 ($167) | 99 ($176) | New Bedford |
| Healthcare | 97 ($121) | 99 ($127) | 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 New Bedford, MA or Worcester, MA cheaper to live in?
New Bedford, MA is cheaper overall by about 5 index points (New Bedford, MA: 93, Worcester, MA: 98; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in New Bedford, MA vs Worcester, MA?
A single adult needs roughly $32,550/year in New Bedford, MA and $34,300/year in Worcester, MA to cover basic living costs.