2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
New Bedford, MA vs Worcester, MA

Change Cities
Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Worcester or is it cheaper to live in New Bedford?
- Worcester is 0.2% less expensive than New Bedford.

Which city has more affordable housing, Worcester or New Bedford?
- Worcester housing costs are 2.6% more expensive than New Bedford housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in New Bedford or is Health Care more affordable in Worcester.
- Health related expenses are 8.5% more in Worcester.
 New Bedford, MAWorcester, MAUnited States
 Overall  Unlock111.5100
 Food & Groceries105.0  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock96.1100
 Housing110.6  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$365,400$338,100
 Utilities119  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock95.4100
 Miscellaneous127.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
DID YOU KNOW?

In order to keep your same standard of living your salary can vary greatly - whether you buy or rent, require child care, or want to include taxes. This is why we are now offering a Premium Salary & Cost of Living Calculator.

Our Premium Calculator Includes:
- Compare Cities cost of living across 9 different categories
- Personal salary calculations can optionally include Home ownership or rental, Child care, and Taxes (with details on state and local sales, income, property and automobile taxes)
- Includes the cost of Child Care for toddlers or infants, at a day care center or home care
- Grocery prices, detailed for 29 staple items in six categories
- Difference in cost of Utilities, including electric, gas and fuel oil
- Health Care Premiums and hospital expenses for major surgeries
- Taxes, Fees and Expenses you should know about, such as local car insurance rates, automobile taxes and registration, commuting costs.
- and 100s of other items you should consider before you relocate

Upgrade to Premium | See Example

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

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

Cold  More

   |    Reply

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

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of New Bedford

Reviews for Worcester    11 Reviews

Over 11 years ago

I don't understand why your statistics say there aren't any Hispanics/Latinos in Worcester. I'm Puerto Rican, and I grew up there. There are plenty of Latin people all  More

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

Great healthcare statewide, not just in  More

   |    Reply

Though I don't live there, Worcester is a first class bargain for a great first class education! Worcester has at least 10 great colleges and universities in this city,  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Worcester


Premium Subscription
Includes Cost of Living compares for child care, utilities, transportation, health, taxes, housing for home owners vs renters, weather, insurance premiums and so much more.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.