New Bedford, MA vs Salem, MA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. New Bedford is 29.1% cheaper than Salem. With a cost index of 95 vs 134, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from New Bedford to Salem should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in New Bedford is $1,085/month compared to $1,800/month in Salem — a 40% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Bedford is more affordable at $324,400 median vs $497,400.

Median household income in New Bedford is $56,025 compared to $85,137 in Salem (-34.2%). While Salem is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of New Bedford spend roughly 23.2% of their income on rent, less than the 25.4% in Salem.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.4°F vs 49.9°F). New Bedford receives more rainfall at 45.9" per year compared to 44.9" in Salem.