New Bedford vs Tampa
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Tampa
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 9.8%, with Tampa being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Bedford has equivalent purchasing power to $68,304 in Tampa.
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 $68,304 in Tampa.
Conversely, $75,000 in Tampa equals $82,353 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Tampa
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Tampa's 108, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $340,000. The $31,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,016 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $1,700/mo in Tampa, a monthly difference of $475.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 103 in Tampa. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $489/month in Tampa. 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 96 in Tampa. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $384 in Tampa. 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 Tampa. 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 $52,594 in Tampa. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $51,563 respectively. Tampa 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 $1,227/month in Tampa. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Tampa, median rent of $1,700/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 49 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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