2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Salem, MA vs New Bedford, MA

Change Cities
Highlights
Are people in New Bedford older or younger than people in Salem?
- The Median Age in New Bedford is 1.1 years younger than in Salem.

Are housing costs cheaper in New Bedford or Salem?
- New Bedford housing costs are 26.5% less expensive than Salem housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, New Bedford or Salem?
- The average commute for residents of New Bedford is 5.5 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Salem.

Things to do in Salem?
Salem, Massachusetts is situated in Essex county and gives residents plenty of culture attractions from Salem Witch Museum to House Of Seven Gables Museum Store along with various restaurants like Flying Saucer Pizza Company

Things to do in New Bedford?
New Bedford, Massachusetts is a vibrant coastal city located in Bristol County. Its diverse culture offers plenty of opportunities to explore unique attractions such as the Seamen's Bethel and the Buttonwood Park Zoo. After exploring, sample delicious food from eateries like The Nook and Local Catch. With its many offerings and exciting experiences, New Bedford is the perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation!

 Salem, MANew Bedford, MAUnited States
 Population  Unlock100,309329,725,481
 Median Income$72,884  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock36.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$505,900  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock10.2%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time30.3  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Salem    4 Reviews

I've been in Salem, Massachusetts for a year now because it brought me up here for my husband's job. Salem may be a great place to visit during Halloween but other  More

   |    Reply

Over 12 years ago

My husband and I move to Salem, MA from Long Island NY five years ago and we love it! We kept on visiting for Halloween and we just decided to move here for the hell of  More

   |    Reply

Over 18 years ago

We are family friendly, albeit strange. We celebrate Halloween for a month. Check out the Haunted Happenings  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Salem

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


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.