Fall River, MA vs New Bedford, MA

Fall River, MA and New Bedford, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.9% difference in their overall index. Fall River scores 98 while New Bedford scores 95 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fall River is $1,086/month compared to $1,085/month in New Bedford — a 0% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Bedford is more affordable at $324,400 median vs $357,800.

Median household income in Fall River is $53,933 compared to $56,025 in New Bedford (-3.7%). New Bedford offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fall River spend roughly 24.2% of their income on rent, more than the 23.2% in New Bedford.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.4°F vs 50.4°F). New Bedford receives more rainfall at 45.9" per year compared to 45.9" in Fall River.