New Bedford vs San Diego
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
New Bedford
San Diego
💡 The Verdict
New Bedford is 21% cheaper than San Diego overall. A $75,000 salary in New Bedford is equivalent to $94,488 in San Diego.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for New Bedford (left) vs San Diego (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in New Bedford versus San Diego. Differences shown from New Bedford perspective.
| Item | New Bedford | San Diego | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,520/mo | $1,770/mo | $-250.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $2,240/mo | $2,500/mo | $-260.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,800/mo | $3,490/mo | $-690.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.68 | $3.20 | +$0.48 |
| Milk (gallon) | $5.00 | $3.84 | +$1.16 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.95 | $3.68 | +$0.27 |
| Coffee (latte) | $7.05 | $6.14 | +$0.91 |
| Gas (gallon) | $4.01 | $3.64 | +$0.37 |
| Restaurant Meal | $19.11 | $22.62 | $-3.51 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in New Bedford has the same purchasing power as $94,488 in San Diego.
Conversely, $75,000 in San Diego equals $59,531 in New Bedford.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $900 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. Massachusetts details → · California details →
Reading These Numbers: New Bedford (127) vs San Diego (160)
New Bedford at 127 is 27% above the US average, while San Diego at 160 is 60% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In New Bedford, the composite index of 127 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 159, followed by groceries (126), utilities (120), transportation (129), and healthcare (127). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $2,240/mo in New Bedford and $2,500/mo in San Diego, the annual rent difference is approximately $3,120.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $15,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $257,000.0 difference in median home prices between New Bedford and San Diego translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: New Bedford vs San Diego
Choosing between New Bedford and San Diego involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between New Bedford and San Diego can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.