New Bedford vs Surprise

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 $68,973 in Surprise.

Conversely, $75,000 in Surprise equals $81,553 in New Bedford.

Living in New Bedford vs Surprise

Housing Costs

New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Surprise's 105, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $419,000. The $48,000 difference in home prices means roughly $3,120 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,575/mo in Surprise, a monthly difference of $350.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 100 in Surprise. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $475/month in Surprise. 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 102 in Surprise. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $408 in Surprise. 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 97 in Surprise. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 21-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 $85,500 in Surprise. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $83,010 respectively. Surprise 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 $1,995/month in Surprise. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Surprise, median rent of $1,575/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 43 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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