Is Nashville, TN cheaper than New Bedford, MA?

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

What salary do I need in Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Bedford, MA and Nashville, TN?

Housing in Nashville, TN is 35.7% cheaper than in New Bedford, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,840/month in Nashville, TN compared to $1,099/month in New Bedford, MA.

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

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

New Bedford, MA vs Nashville, TN: 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 Nashville, TN

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.7K in Nashville, TN

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

Nashville, TN

Population:689K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$489K

New Bedford, MA

The Bay State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Nashville, TN

The Volunteer State

689K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Music City USA
•Country music capital
•Healthcare industry hub

Major Industries

Music IndustryHealthcareTourismFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Bedford, MA vs Nashville, TN

Category	New Bedford, MA	Nashville, TN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,121/mo	$2,651/mo	↓ $1,471less	35.7%
📦Other	$1,584/mo	$1,942/mo	↑ $358more	22.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,589/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $305less	19.2%
⚡All Utilities	$667/mo	$519/mo	↓ $148less	22.2%
🏥Healthcare	$693/mo	$607/mo	↓ $85.53less	12.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,005/mo	$949/mo	↓ $56.19less	5.6%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.7%

New Bedford, MA

$4,121

Nashville, TN

$2,651

Difference

$1,471

less

📦Other

↑ 22.6%

New Bedford, MA

$1,584

Nashville, TN

$1,942

Difference

$358

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.2%

New Bedford, MA

$1,589

Nashville, TN

$1,284

Difference

$305

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 22.2%

New Bedford, MA

$667

Nashville, TN

$519

Difference

$148

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.3%

New Bedford, MA

$693

Nashville, TN

$607

Difference

$85.53

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.6%

New Bedford, MA

$1,005

Nashville, TN

$949

Difference

$56.19

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$863

To$1,600

↑ $737

1 Bed

From$885

To$1,680

↑ $795

2 Bed

From$1,099

To$1,840

↑ $741

3 Bed

From$1,321

To$2,350

↑ $1,029

New Bedford, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,200/mo

Nashville, TNZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$2,230/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

$7,952

Monthly in Nashville, TN

$1,707

Difference

Home Values

New Bedford

Nashville

$426K

Median Value

$489K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +47.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +32.1%

$411K - $438K

Price Range

$320K - $1.16M

Homes in Nashville are 15% more expensive than New Bedford

Calculate payment - New Bedford Calculate payment - Nashville

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

Nashville, TN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Tennessee 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%

Nashville, TN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.5%

Property Tax:0.7%

💡 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.