New Bedford vs Topeka
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
New Bedford
Topeka
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 34.9%, with Topeka being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in New Bedford has equivalent purchasing power to $55,580 in Topeka.
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 $55,580 in Topeka.
Conversely, $75,000 in Topeka equals $101,205 in New Bedford.
Living in New Bedford vs Topeka
Housing Costs
New Bedford's housing index of 116 is higher Topeka's 55, translating to median home prices of $371,000 vs $175,000. The $196,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,744 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,225/mo in New Bedford compared to $900/mo in Topeka, a monthly difference of $325.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 104 in New Bedford and 98 in Topeka. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $494/month in New Bedford vs $466/month in Topeka. Topeka offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $336/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 145 in New Bedford and 97 in Topeka. Monthly utility bills average approximately $580 in New Bedford vs $388 in Topeka. 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 96 in Topeka. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 22-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 $55,500 in Topeka. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $50,893 and $66,867 respectively. Topeka 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 $1,295/month in Topeka. In New Bedford, median rent of $1,225/mo fits within this budget. In Topeka, median rent of $900/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 61 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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