New Bedford vs Plano
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Plano
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 2.8%, with Plano being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Bedford has equivalent purchasing power to $72,991 in Plano.
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 $72,991 in Plano.
Conversely, $75,000 in Plano equals $77,064 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Plano
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is lower Plano's 123, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $400,000. The $29,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,884 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,700/mo in Plano, a monthly difference of $475.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 98 in Plano. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $466/month in Plano. Plano offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 145 in New Bedford and 99 in Plano. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $396 in Plano. 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 100 in Plano. 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 $57,000 in New Bedford and $96,348 in Plano. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $88,393 respectively. Plano 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 $2,248/month in Plano. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Plano, median rent of $1,700/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 46 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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