Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than New Bedford, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 20.2% cheaper than New Bedford, MA. This translates to saving $1516 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in New Bedford, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in New Bedford, MA, you'd need approximately $131,809.903 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between New Bedford, MA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 32.3% cheaper than in New Bedford, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,099/month in New Bedford, MA.

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

Moving from New Bedford, MA to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $1516 per month, or $18190 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

New Bedford, MA vs Phoenix, AZ: 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 Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $131.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 20.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,516

Savings

Annual Impact

$18.2K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:80

Median Home:$414K

New Bedford, MA

The Bay State

101K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: New Bedford, MA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	New Bedford, MA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,121/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $1,333less	32.3%
⚡All Utilities	$667/mo	$561/mo	↓ $106less	15.9%
🏥Healthcare	$693/mo	$589/mo	↓ $104less	15.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,589/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $100.00less	6.3%
📦Other	$1,584/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $93.43more	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,005/mo	$963/mo	↓ $42.20less	4.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 32.3%

New Bedford, MA

$4,121

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$1,333

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 15.9%

New Bedford, MA

$667

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$106

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 15.0%

New Bedford, MA

$693

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$104

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 6.3%

New Bedford, MA

$1,589

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$100.00

less

📦Other

↑ 5.9%

New Bedford, MA

$1,584

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$93.43

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

New Bedford, MA

$1,005

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$42.20

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$863

To$1,390

↑ $527

1 Bed

From$885

To$1,510

↑ $625

2 Bed

From$1,099

To$1,750

↑ $651

3 Bed

From$1,321

To$2,330

↑ $1,009

New Bedford, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,180–$1,200/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,592

Difference

Home Values

New Bedford

Phoenix

$426K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +47.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$411K - $438K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 3% less expensive than New Bedford

Calculate payment - New Bedford Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$189

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

New Bedford, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.