Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA
Population 100,731 · Massachusetts · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
New Bedford lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $324,000 — 6% above the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in Massachusetts. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in New Bedford
The median home value in New Bedford is $324,400 — 6% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,085/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,025/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. Massachusetts's top state income tax rate is 9.0% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 60.6°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, New Bedford has a cost of living index of 97 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 3% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 39 | 41 | 47 | 57 | 67 | 76 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 64 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 62 | 60 | 52 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.72 | 3.04 | 4.82 | 4.01 | 3.29 | 3.61 | 3.04 | 3.83 | 3.64 | 4.56 | 4.26 | 4.12 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Bedford, MA?
New Bedford has a cost index of 97 (100 = national average). It is 3% below the national average.
What is average rent in New Bedford, MA?
The median gross rent in New Bedford is $1,085 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in New Bedford?
The median home value in New Bedford is $324,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in New Bedford?
The median household income in New Bedford is $56,025 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in New Bedford, MA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in New Bedford is 6.3%. The Massachusetts state income tax top rate is 9.0%.
Is New Bedford, MA affordable?
New Bedford is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 97 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in New Bedford?
New Bedford has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 45.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
New Bedford at a Glance
- Population
- 100,731
- Median Income
- $56,025
- Home Value
- $324,400
- Median Rent
- $1,085/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
Massachusetts Rankings
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