2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
New Bedford, MA vs Des Moines, IA

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Des Moines or is it cheaper to live in New Bedford?
- Des Moines is 22.5% less expensive than New Bedford.

Which city has more affordable housing, Des Moines or New Bedford?
- Des Moines housing costs are 47.7% less expensive than New Bedford housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in New Bedford or is Health Care more affordable in Des Moines.
- Health related expenses are 15.6% more in Des Moines.
 New Bedford, MADes Moines, IAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock86.6100
 Food & Groceries105.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock102.4100
 Housing110.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$175,700$338,100
 Utilities119  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock74.7100
 Miscellaneous127.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for New Bedford    5 Reviews

Grew up here, returned here to assist family after lining/working South of Boston, San Diego, then North of Boston respectively. Outside of the quaint/Historic Downtown  More

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Over 13 years ago

Cold  More

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Over 15 years ago

While unemployment is always a problem here, this city is no worse than any other old Northeastern city. Yes, we do have crime and bad areas, just as any other city  More

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Reviews for Des Moines    53 Reviews

Des Moines is a ok and pretty quiet place but as a teen it could be dramatic because Des Moines do have is fair or violents places to avoid in Des Moines would be the  More

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Dude · 
Over 5 years ago

This city is violent, there are too many gangs especially on the north  More

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Over 6 years ago

Good for the old that like slow pace and cheap buffets. Also good for non-descript mid-westerners that don't like a lot of action. No nightlife or mountains to hike  More

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