New Bedford vs New Haven

Category-by-Category Breakdown

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

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in New Bedford has the same purchasing power as $79,018 in New Haven.

Conversely, $75,000 in New Haven equals $71,186 in New Bedford.

Living in New Bedford vs New Haven

Housing Costs

New Bedford's housing index of 116 is lower New Haven's 137, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $250,000. The $121,000 difference in home prices means roughly $7,860 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,400/mo in New Haven, a monthly difference of $175.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 106 in New Haven. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $504/month in New Haven. 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 145 in New Bedford and 124 in New Haven. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $496 in New Haven. 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 118 in New Bedford and 114 in New Haven. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $57,000 in New Bedford and $42,158 in New Haven. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $35,727 respectively. New Bedford residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,330/month to housing in New Bedford vs $984/month in New Haven. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In New Haven, median rent of $1,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 21 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases