Is Austin, TX cheaper than New Bedford, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 20.4% cheaper than New Bedford, MA. This translates to saving $1527 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in New Bedford, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Bedford, MA, you'd need approximately $131,670.736 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Bedford, MA and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 30.0% cheaper than in New Bedford, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,099/month in New Bedford, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from New Bedford, MA to Austin, TX?

Moving from New Bedford, MA to Austin, TX could save you approximately $1527 per month, or $18329 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Bedford, MA vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 New Bedford, MA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in New Bedford, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.7K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 20.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,527

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

New Bedford, MA

Population:101K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$426K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$558K

New Bedford, MA

The Bay State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 101K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Bedford, MA vs Austin, TX

Category	New Bedford, MA	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,121/mo	$2,885/mo	↓ $1,237less	30.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,589/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $305less	19.2%
📦Other	$1,584/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $157more	9.9%
⚡All Utilities	$667/mo	$541/mo	↓ $126less	18.9%
🏥Healthcare	$693/mo	$589/mo	↓ $104less	15.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,005/mo	$959/mo	↓ $46.20less	4.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.0%

New Bedford, MA

$4,121

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$1,237

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.2%

New Bedford, MA

$1,589

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$305

less

📦Other

↑ 9.9%

New Bedford, MA

$1,584

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$157

⚡All Utilities

↓ 18.9%

New Bedford, MA

$667

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$126

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

New Bedford, MA

$693

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$104

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

New Bedford, MA

$1,005

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$46.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$863

To$1,585

↑ $722

1 Bed

From$885

To$1,685

↑ $800

2 Bed

From$1,099

To$1,995

↑ $896

3 Bed

From$1,321

To$2,525

↑ $1,204

New Bedford, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,200/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$9,659

Monthly in New Bedford, MA

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$1,661

Difference

Home Values

New Bedford

Austin

$426K

Median Value

$558K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +47.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$411K - $438K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 31% more expensive than New Bedford

Calculate payment - New Bedford Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$625

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

Rate difference

New Bedford, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

New Bedford, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.