The New Bedford Salary Guide: What $100k Actually Buys You

You see a six-figure salary offer and start calculating the lifestyle upgrades. But in Massachusetts, the gap between the offer letter and your bank account is widening.

This guide breaks down the financial reality of earning $100,000 annually in New Bedford, MA. We aren't guessing; we are running the numbers on federal obligations, state burdens, and local purchasing power.

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The Verification Test ($100,000 Analysis)

The "Sticker Price" of your labor is $100,000. The "Real Price"—what you actually retain after the government takes its share—is significantly lower.

The Math:

• Gross Salary: $100,000
• Total Deductions: $26,264
• Net Take-Home Pay: $73,736

The Analysis:
You are losing 26.3% of your gross income immediately. This isn't just "taxes"—it's a combination of federal liabilities and the Massachusetts state burden.

• Federal Tax ($13,614): This is the standard cost of doing business in the U.S., bracketed aggressively at this income level.
• FICA ($7,650): Non-negotiable. You are paying for Social Security and Medicare.
• State Tax ($5,000): Massachusetts hits hard. Unlike states with zero income tax (like Florida or Texas), you are writing a check for 5% of your earnings to the Commonwealth. That is $5,000 off the top that could have been invested or used to combat inflation.

Bottom Line: Treat your salary as $73,736, not $100,000. Any budget based on the higher number is a fantasy.

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Smart Budget Breakdown (50/30/20 Rule)

With a monthly net of $6,145, we apply the 50/30/20 rule to assess viability in the New Bedford market.

Needs ($3,072/mo)

Target: 50% of Net Income

This bucket covers shelter, utilities, groceries, and insurance.
Can you afford rent?
Yes, but with caveats. The median rent for a 1-bedroom in New Bedford hovers around $1,400–$1,600. Let's average it at $1,500.

• Rent: $1,500
• Utilities/Internet: $200
• Groceries: $450
• Car/Health Insurance: $500
• Remaining Buffer: $422

You are not "house poor," but you are "buffer poor." One unexpected car repair or medical bill wipes out your surplus. You can live comfortably, but you are not insulated from emergencies.

Wants ($1,843/mo)

Target: 30% of Net Income

This is your discretionary spending. In New Bedford, this looks like dinners at The Black Whale, tickets to a show at the Zeiterion, or weekend trips to Cape Cod. You have significant purchasing power here compared to the national average, but it vanishes quickly if you inflate your housing costs.

Savings ($1,229/mo)

Target: 20% of Net Income

Wealth Creation:
This is the most critical metric. $1,229 monthly is $14,748 annually.
If you are 30 years old and invest this $14,748 annually in a standard S&P 500 index fund (averaging 7% return), by age 60 you will have approximately $1.4 Million.

In New Bedford, $100k allows you to become a millionaire, provided you stick to the savings bucket and don't let lifestyle inflation eat your future.

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New Bedford Taxes vs. The Competition

Is the Massachusetts tax burden worth the quality of life? Let's compare your take-home pay against major metros.

City	State Income Tax	Local Tax	Est. Take Home (on $100k)	Net Difference
New Bedford, MA	5.0% ($5,000)	$0	$73,736	Baseline
New York, NY	~4.0% + NYC Tax	~3.9%	~$64,000	-$9,736
Austin, TX	$0	$0	~$76,500	+$2,764

The Verdict:
New Bedford is significantly cheaper than NYC, but the "Massachusetts Premium" is real. Moving to Austin would put an extra $2,764 in your pocket annually purely on taxes.

However, New Bedford crushes the national average on cost of living. While you pay $5,000 in state tax, you avoid the exorbitant housing costs of Boston or NYC. You are trading tax dollars for housing affordability.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the income tax rate in New Bedford?
A: You are subject to the Massachusetts state income tax rate of 5.0%. New Bedford does not impose a local city income tax on residents.

Q: Is $100k a good salary in New Bedford?
A: Yes. With a take-home pay of roughly $6,145 per month, you are earning well above the area's median household income. This salary allows for comfortable housing, significant discretionary spending, and robust savings ($1,229/mo) under the 50/30/20 rule.

Q: Does New Bedford have a local city tax?
A: No. Based on current data, there is $0 in local income tax deducted from your paycheck. You only pay Federal and Massachusetts State taxes.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is based on 2026 IRS tax projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, and Massachusetts State Comptroller figures. Tax brackets and local regulations are subject to change.