Medford vs New Bedford

Category-by-Category Breakdown

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

Salary Equivalence

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

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

Living in Medford vs New Bedford

Housing Costs

Medford's housing index of 139 is higher New Bedford's 116, translating to median home prices of $406,000 vs $371,000. The $35,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,280 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,375/mo in Medford compared to $1,225/mo in New Bedford, a monthly difference of $150.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 108 in Medford and 104 in New Bedford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $513/month in Medford 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 97 in Medford and 145 in New Bedford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Medford 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 100 in Medford and 118 in New Bedford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 18-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $73,200 in Medford and $57,000 in New Bedford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $69,057 and $50,893 respectively. Medford residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,708/month to housing in Medford vs $1,330/month in New Bedford. In Medford, median rent of $1,375/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 48 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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