New Bedford vs Sparks

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 $79,688 in Sparks.

Conversely, $75,000 in Sparks equals $70,588 in New Bedford.

Living in New Bedford vs Sparks

Housing Costs

New Bedford's housing index of 116 is lower Sparks's 162, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $500,000. The $129,000 difference in home prices means roughly $8,388 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,475/mo in Sparks, a monthly difference of $250.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 103 in Sparks. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $489/month in Sparks. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.

Utility Expenses

Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 145 in New Bedford and 90 in Sparks. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $360 in Sparks. 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 88 in Sparks. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 30-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 $67,200 in Sparks. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $56,471 respectively. Sparks 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 $1,568/month in Sparks. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Sparks, median rent of $1,475/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 55 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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