New Bedford vs Roanoke
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Roanoke
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 38.3%, with Roanoke being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Bedford has equivalent purchasing power to $54,241 in Roanoke.
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 $54,241 in Roanoke.
Conversely, $75,000 in Roanoke equals $103,704 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Roanoke
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Roanoke's 57, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $225,000. The $146,000 difference in home prices means roughly $9,492 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,075/mo in Roanoke, a monthly difference of $150.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 97 in Roanoke. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $461/month in Roanoke. Roanoke 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 116 in Roanoke. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $464 in Roanoke. 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 91 in Roanoke. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 27-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 $52,700 in Roanoke. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $65,062 respectively. Roanoke 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 $1,230/month in Roanoke. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Roanoke, median rent of $1,075/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 59 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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