New Bedford vs Racine
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Racine
The Verdict
Living in Racine costs 27.3% less than New Bedford. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in New Bedford, you would need $58,929 in Racine.
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 $58,929 in Racine.
Conversely, $75,000 in Racine equals $95,455 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Racine
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Racine's 66, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $126,000. The $245,000 difference in home prices means roughly $15,924 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,025/mo in Racine, a monthly difference of $200.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 97 in Racine. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $461/month in Racine. Racine 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 94 in Racine. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $376 in Racine. 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 111 in Racine. 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 $57,700 in Racine. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $65,568 respectively. Racine 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 $1,346/month in Racine. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Racine, median rent of $1,025/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 51 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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