Boise vs New Bedford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Boise
New Bedford
The Verdict
Boise is 5.4% less expensive than New Bedford overall. A household earning $75,000 in Boise would need approximately $79,245 in New Bedford to maintain the same standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Boise has the same purchasing power as $79,245 in New Bedford.
Conversely, $75,000 in New Bedford equals $70,982 in Boise.
Living in Boise vs New Bedford
Housing Costs
Boise's housing index of 118 is higher New Bedford's 116, translating to median home prices of $420,000 vs $371,000. The $49,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,180 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Boise compared to $1,225/mo in New Bedford, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 99 in Boise and 104 in New Bedford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $470/month in Boise vs $494/month in New Bedford. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 89 in Boise and 145 in New Bedford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $356 in Boise vs $580 in New Bedford. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 98 in Boise and 118 in New Bedford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 20-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $60,818 in Boise and $57,000 in New Bedford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $57,375 and $50,893 respectively. Boise residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,419/month to housing in Boise vs $1,330/month in New Bedford. In Boise, median rent of $1,400/mo fits within this budget. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 56 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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