Montpelier vs New Bedford
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Montpelier
New Bedford
The Verdict
New Bedford is 4.5% less expensive than Montpelier overall. A household earning $75,000 in Montpelier would need approximately $71,795 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 Montpelier has the same purchasing power as $71,795 in New Bedford.
Conversely, $75,000 in New Bedford equals $78,348 in Montpelier.
Living in Montpelier vs New Bedford
Housing Costs
Montpelier's housing index of 131 is higher New Bedford's 116, translating to median home prices of $375,000 vs $371,000. The $4,000 difference in home prices means roughly $264 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,400/mo in Montpelier compared to $1,225/mo in New Bedford, a monthly difference of $175.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in Montpelier and 104 in New Bedford. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in Montpelier 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 123 in Montpelier and 145 in New Bedford. Monthly utility bills average approximately $492 in Montpelier 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 107 in Montpelier and 118 in New Bedford. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 11-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $82,600 in Montpelier and $57,000 in New Bedford. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $70,598 and $50,893 respectively. Montpelier residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,927/month to housing in Montpelier vs $1,330/month in New Bedford. In Montpelier, 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 22 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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