Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $968 (excluding rent), and $2,463 including rent.
Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,372 (excluding rent), and $3,872 including rent.
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๐Ÿฝ Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$12.21 $12.21
$12.21 $12.21
$30.53 $30.53
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$52.7 $52.7
$52.7 $52.7
$122 $122
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$12.19 $12.19
$8.64 $8.64
$15.24 $15.24
Cappuccino
$4.29 $4.29
$2.77 $2.77
$5.8 $5.8
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.78 $2.78
$2.03 $2.03
$3.05 $3.05
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.01 $2.01
$1.47 $1.47
$2.95 $2.95
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$3.95 $3.95
$2.96 $2.96
$6.92 $6.92
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$5.83 $5.83
$3.88 $3.88
$10.68 $10.68
๐Ÿ›’ Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.07 $1.07
$0.8 $0.8
$1.42 $1.42
White Bread (500g)
$4.46 $4.46
$1.99 $1.99
$6.69 $6.69
Rice (white) (1kg)
$5.23 $5.23
$1.14 $1.14
$15.1 $15.1
Eggs
$4.62 $4.62
$2.31 $2.31
$6.81 $6.81
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.82 $17.82
$15.59 $15.59
$26.73 $26.73
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$13.18 $13.18
$5.53 $5.53
$26.63 $26.63
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$14.68 $14.68
$11.16 $11.16
$42.41 $42.41
Apples (1kg)
$6.77 $6.77
$4.07 $4.07
$13.56 $13.56
Banana (1kg)
$1.86 $1.86
$1.29 $1.29
$2.59 $2.59
Oranges (1kg)
$6.02 $6.02
$3.35 $3.35
$8.94 $8.94
Tomato (1kg)
$6.01 $6.01
$3.27 $3.27
$10.9 $10.9
Potato (1kg)
$3.28 $3.28
$1.33 $1.33
$6.64 $6.64
Onion (1kg)
$3.46 $3.46
$1.71 $1.71
$6.42 $6.42
Lettuce (1 head)
$1.95 $1.95
$0.99 $0.99
$3.89 $3.89
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.15 $2.15
$0.99 $0.99
$4.93 $4.93
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$13.98 $13.98
$12.98 $12.98
$14.98 $14.98
Wine (Bottle)
$12.21 $12.21
$10.17 $10.17
$16.28 $16.28
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.77 $1.77
$1.77 $1.77
$1.77 $1.77
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.45 $2.45
$1.96 $1.96
$5.89 $5.89
๐ŸšŒ Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.98 $1.98
$1.24 $1.24
$1.98 $1.98
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$28.47 $28.47
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$5.4 $5.4
$4.9 $4.9
$5.89 $5.89
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.1 $2.1
$2.1 $2.1
$2.22 $2.22
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$31.49 $31.49
$28.48 $28.48
$37.76 $37.76
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.91 $0.91
$0.83 $0.83
$1 $1
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$28.5K $28.5K
$23.6K $23.6K
$33.5K $33.5K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$25.6K $25.6K
$25.3K $25.3K
$28.3K $28.3K
๐Ÿงพ Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$130 $130
$130 $130
$200 $200
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$53.7 $53.7
$40.74 $40.74
$107 $107
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$44.28 $44.28
$24.6 $24.6
$88.6 $88.6
๐ŸŽ‰ Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$29.09 $29.09
$17.55 $17.55
$50.2 $50.2
Cinema Ticket
$11.86 $11.86
$11.86 $11.86
$17.79 $17.79
๐Ÿงธ Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,256 $1,256
$496 $496
$2,126 $2,126
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$33.1K $33.1K
$9,941 $9,941
$49.7K $49.7K
๐Ÿ‘•๐Ÿ‘Ÿ Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$34.34 $34.34
$34.34 $34.34
$68.7 $68.7
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$38.2 $38.2
$23.65 $23.65
$50.5 $50.5
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$54.2 $54.2
$49.61 $49.61
$84.3 $84.3
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$97.6 $97.6
$49.28 $49.28
$246 $246
๐Ÿ  Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,529 $1,529
$1,223 $1,223
$1,893 $1,893
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,376 $1,376
$1,020 $1,020
$1,529 $1,529
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,713 $1,713
$1,523 $1,523
$1,904 $1,904
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,452 $1,452
$1,231 $1,231
$1,674 $1,674
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$3,126 $3,126
$2,232 $2,232
$3,126 $3,126
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,300 $2,300
$1,778 $1,778
$2,300 $2,300
๐Ÿ’ต Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,942 $3,942
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.38
6.19
6.7
Citycost data is based on AI and user input โ€“ minor inaccuracies may occur.
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Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA - Frequently Asked Questions
How does New Bedford compare in overall affordability, and who tends to get good value here?
New Bedford offers a gentle balance of coastal charm and practical costs, especially for longer stays. The Cost of Living in New Bedford, MA, United States tends to feel more approachable than larger Northeast hubs, with room to stretch a budget when you select older apartment stock or harbor-area rentals near services. Travelers and digital nomads prize downtown and the West End for walkable cores and shorter commutes, while families seek quieter pockets a bit further inland. Dining and groceries lean on local markets and seasonal produce, keeping daily needs reasonable without sacrificing quality. Tip: Set a simple monthly budget by housing, food, transport, and leisure to spot saving opportunities.
What does daily life look like for housing, food, transport, and coworking in New Bedford?
Housing searches here lean toward characterful older buildings in walkable neighborhoods, with harbor and downtown options central to daily life. Look for places a short stroll from groceries, cafes, and parks, which keeps transport needs minimal. For food, you'll enjoy seafood spots, farmers markets, and affordable casual meals that suit a nomad schedule. Public transit covers the essentials, ferries offer weekend escapes, and many areas are bike-friendly. Co-working spaces exist with flexible day passes and reliable Wi-Fi. New Bedford, MA, United States living cost considerations help you plan weekly errands and shopping routes. Tip: Build a simple weekly plan that allocates time and money to housing, food, transport, and activities.
Whatโ€™s the quality of life like in New Bedford, and how should you budget for a season-long stay?
Quality of life here blends coastal charm with practical routines that suit different rhythms. If you're deciding where to settle, try a month in a few neighborhoods, Downtown, the West End, and the North End each offer a distinct feel and access to shops, parks, and the waterfront. Seasonality matters for crowds and costs, with summers bringing events and outdoor markets. A simple budgeting framework works well: prioritize housing and utilities first, then groceries and transport, with a flexible line for leisure. Local batches of events, seafood tastings, and community gatherings can stretch a modest budget and deepen your sense of place. Tip: Build a neighborhood shortlist based on walkability and access to the things you value most.
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