New Bedford, MA vs Westfield, MA

New Bedford, MA and Westfield, MA have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.6% difference in their overall index. New Bedford scores 95 while Westfield scores 91 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 New Bedford is $1,085/month compared to $1,064/month in Westfield — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Westfield is more affordable at $295,500 median vs $324,400.

Median household income in New Bedford is $56,025 compared to $82,847 in Westfield (-32.4%). Westfield offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of New Bedford spend roughly 23.2% of their income on rent, more than the 15.4% in Westfield.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (50.4°F vs 49.4°F). New Bedford receives more rainfall at 45.9" per year compared to 45.2" in Westfield.