City Comparison

League City vs New Bedford

Cost of Living Comparison · 2026

League City

Texas
106
Above Average
$385,000
Median Home
$1,700/mo
Median Rent
$121,100
Median Income

New Bedford

Massachusetts
112
Above Average
$371,000
Median Home
$1,225/mo
Median Rent
$57,000
Median Income

The Verdict

5.4%

The cost gap between these cities is 5.4%, with League City being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in League City has equivalent purchasing power to $79,245 in New Bedford.

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Housing
114
League City
116
New Bedford
Groceries
92
League City
104
New Bedford
Utilities
100
League City
145
New Bedford
Transportation
98
League City
108
New Bedford
Healthcare
94
League City
118
New Bedford

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in League City has the same purchasing power as $79,245 in New Bedford.

Conversely, $75,000 in New Bedford equals $70,982 in League City.

Living in League City vs New Bedford

Housing Costs

League City's housing index of 114 is lower New Bedford's 116, translating to median home prices of $385,000 vs $371,000. The $14,000 difference in home prices means roughly $912 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,700/mo in League City compared to $1,225/mo in New Bedford, a monthly difference of $475.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 92 in League City and 104 in New Bedford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in League City vs $494/month in New Bedford. League City offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $684/year.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 100 in League City and 145 in New Bedford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $400 in League City 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 94 in League City and 118 in New Bedford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 24-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $121,100 in League City and $57,000 in New Bedford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $114,245 and $50,893 respectively. League City residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $2,826/month to housing in League City vs $1,330/month in New Bedford. In League City, median rent of $1,700/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 45 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

League City is 5.4% more affordable overall with an index of 106 vs 112.
A $75,000 salary in League City has equivalent purchasing power to approximately $79,245 in New Bedford, based on the cost of living difference.
League City's housing index is 114 with median homes at $385,000, while New Bedford's is 116 with median homes at $371,000.

Moving & Relocation Resources

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