Living in New Bedford, MA
New Bedford is the 331st-largest city in the US, home to about 102,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (101.8 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 101,834+0.8% since 2020
- Median home value
- $357,3006.3 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,137/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $56,981median, per year
- Price level
- 101.8US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 39° / 83°lows 21° / 62°
- Average commute
- 25 min5% work from home
- State income tax
- 9%top rate, graduated
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County: Bristol County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 95 ft
Metro area: Providence-Warwick, RI-MA
Cost of living in New Bedford
The median home in New Bedford is worth $357,300 and the median household earns $56,981 a year, so a typical home costs about 6.3 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,137 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area at 101.8, with housing at 103.9 and goods at 97.1 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $76,300 here. Massachusetts taxes wages at a top rate of 9%. The average combined state and local sales tax in Massachusetts is 6.25%.
What would my salary be worth in New Bedford?
New Bedford weather
Average highs run from 39°F in January to 82°F in July, and January nights average 21°F. It gets 46 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 32 inches of snow. Nights drop below freezing about 123 times a year. The most comfortable months are May to September.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit New Bedford
People and work
The median resident is 37.0 years old, and 17% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 40% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 25 minutes; 5% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 37.0305th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 17%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 40%of households
- People per sq mile
- 5,09120.0 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 3%2% walk, 0.2% bike
- Unemployment
- 8.3%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 20.6%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1938median year
Who moves to New Bedford, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Cape Coral (Lee County), West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County) and Kings County, NY. People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to West Palm Beach (Palm Beach County), Cape Coral (Lee County) and Tampa (Hillsborough County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively Moderate
FEMA rating for Bristol County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: inland flooding, strong wind, ice storm.
Home prices
+4.7% in a year
Up 52% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
70% good days
5 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near New Bedford
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Brown University 28 miles
- Rhode Island School of Design 28 miles
- University of Rhode Island 32 miles
- Community College of Rhode Island 29 miles
- Bridgewater State University 24 miles
- Bristol Community College 11 miles
- Providence College 30 miles
- Massasoit Community College 30 miles
- Rhode Island College 31 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near New Bedford
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Martha's Vineyard Airport MVY | 24 mi | 83,419 |
| Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport PVD | 26 mi | 1,984,916 |
| Cape Cod Gateway Airport HYA | 34 mi | 25,626 |
| Logan International Airport BOS | 50 mi | 21,090,721 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near New Bedford
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgewater State University | 24 mi | 7,829 | $18,061 | 52% |
| Bristol Community College | 11 mi | 6,083 | $10,095 | 23% |
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | 4 mi | 5,221 | $20,319 | 49% |
| Roger Williams University | 17 mi | 3,946 | $37,645 | 67% |
| Salve Regina University | 22 mi | 2,121 | $36,528 | 73% |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | 18 mi | 1,395 | $23,759 | 73% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in New Bedford
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before April 29, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around October 3 and the first frost comes around October 15.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for New Bedford Municipal Airport, MA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for New Bedford.
Wildfire smoke in New Bedford
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered New Bedford on about 102 days a year, including about 23 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in New Bedford
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 42,271 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in New Bedford
Downtown New Bedford is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford School District | Pre-K to 12 | 12,505 | 24 | 11.8 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Fall River School District (11,089 students), Dartmouth School District (3,297 students), Freetown-Lakeville School District (2,603 students), Fairhaven School District (1,727 students), Westport School District (1,515 students), Old Rochester School District (1,050 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
New Bedford's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to New Bedford's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Sterling Heights, MI70% matchCompare
- Noblesville, IN69% matchCompare
- Elgin, IL67% matchCompare
- Livonia, MI67% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Ski resorts near New Bedford
- Yawgoo Valley 33 miles
- Diamond Hill 35 miles
- Blue Hills Ski Area 41 miles
- Ski Ward 60 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in New Bedford
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what do you love about New Bedford?
Cons
- Data Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9%, among the highest in the country.
New Bedford report card from locals
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New Bedford through locals' eyes
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Cities near New Bedford
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River, MA | 12 mi | 95,298 | $395,500 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Warwick, RI | 25 mi | 84,187 | $354,600 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Pawtucket, RI | 28 mi | 77,065 | $325,500 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Providence, RI | 28 mi | 195,310 | $362,200 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Cranston, RI | 29 mi | 84,647 | $378,300 | 101.8 | Compare |
| Brockton, MA | 31 mi | 106,134 | $437,500 | 108.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
New Bedford ranks 14th of 16 in our best suburbs of Providence ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare New Bedford with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is New Bedford a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate; the trade-offs are expensive homes relative to local incomes. Compare New Bedford side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of New Bedford?
The Census Bureau estimates New Bedford had 101,834 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 101,047 in April 2020 (+0.8%).
How much do you need to earn to live in New Bedford?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $76,300 in the New Bedford area. The median household here earns $56,981.
When is the best time to visit New Bedford?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, May to September are the most comfortable months. July averages 82°F and January 39°F for daytime highs.
What county is New Bedford in?
New Bedford is in Bristol County, Massachusetts. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is New Bedford in?
New Bedford is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of New Bedford?
About 95 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Massachusetts have a state income tax?
Yes. Massachusetts has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 9% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of New Bedford. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Providence-Warwick, RI-MA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, New Bedford Municipal Airport, MA station; snowfall from New Bedford Coop, MA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.