New Bedford vs Pearland
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Pearland
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 12.0%, with Pearland being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Bedford has equivalent purchasing power to $66,964 in Pearland.
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 $66,964 in Pearland.
Conversely, $75,000 in Pearland equals $84,000 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Pearland
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Pearland's 99, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $372,000. The $1,000 difference in home prices means roughly $60 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,800/mo in Pearland, a monthly difference of $575.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 97 in Pearland. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $461/month in Pearland. Pearland offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $396/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 145 in New Bedford and 100 in Pearland. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $400 in Pearland. 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 105 in Pearland. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 13-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $57,000 in New Bedford and $118,800 in Pearland. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $118,800 respectively. Pearland residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,330/month to housing in New Bedford vs $2,772/month in Pearland. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Pearland, median rent of $1,800/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
Moving & Relocation Resources
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