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Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA

Population 100,998 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,137
Median home value$357,300
Median household income$56,981

The median rent in New Bedford, MA is $1,137/month, 35% lower than the Massachusetts median and 20% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $357,300, 7% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $56,981 a year, 45% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 23.9%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $45,480/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 6.3×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,807/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

New Bedford vs. Massachusetts vs. U.S.

New BedfordMassachusettsU.S.
Median rent$1,137$1,762$1,413
Median home value$357,300$562,100$332,700
Median household income$56,981$103,960$80,734
Homeownership rate40.3%62.5%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher17.0%47.3%35.7%
Poverty rate20.6%10.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate8.3%5.2%5.2%
Work from home5.4%18.6%15.1%
Median age37.040.038.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in New Bedford, MA?

The median gross rent in New Bedford, MA is $1,137 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in New Bedford, MA?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $45,480 a year in gross income.

Is New Bedford, MA expensive to live in?

Rent there is 20% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 6.3 times the median household income.

Other cities in Massachusetts

Boston, MARent $2,147 · Income $97,344Worcester, MARent $1,487 · Income $70,102Springfield, MARent $1,144 · Income $52,656Cambridge, MARent $2,787 · Income $130,748Lowell, MARent $1,625 · Income $78,658Brockton, MARent $1,641 · Income $80,115

Cities with a similar cost of living

Tucson, AZRent $1,145 · Income $57,073Beaumont, TXRent $1,121 · Income $56,997Champaign, ILRent $1,123 · Income $56,118Hammond, INRent $1,134 · Income $55,504Augusta-Richmond County, GARent $1,142 · Income $55,485Schenectady, NYRent $1,145 · Income $58,399

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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