📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between New Bedford and Chicago
Head-to-Head Analysis
New Bedford vs Chicago
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | New Bedford | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,583 | $74,474 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.2% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $454,500 | $365,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $278 | $261 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,205 | $1,507 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 110.7 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 103.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 819.0 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.4% | 45.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 38 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Chicago and New Bedford.
The Vibe Check: Deep-Dish vs. Seafood Chowder
Let’s cut to the chase. You aren’t choosing between two similar cities; you’re choosing between a galaxy and a pebble.
Chicago is the "Second City" that feels like the first. It is a sprawling, world-class metropolis anchored by the Great Lakes, famous for architectural marvels, a relentless downtown pulse, and a food scene that ranges from Michelin stars to the best hot dog you’ll ever eat (just don’t ask for ketchup). It’s for the hustler, the culture vulture, and anyone who thrives on the energy of 2.6 million neighbors.
New Bedford is the historic whaling capital of the world, now a gritty, coastal New England city. It’s got a working-class soul, a stunning waterfront, and a Portuguese influence that makes the seafood game unbeatable. It’s quiet, compact, and defined by the ocean. It’s for the soul who wants a slower pace, maritime charm, and a sense of small-town community within a city limits.
Who is it for?
- Chicago is for the ambitious professional, the foodie, the sports fanatic, and anyone who needs a downtown skyline to feel alive.
- New Bedford is for the artist, the history buff, the seafood lover, and the person who wants ocean air without the snobbery of Cape Cod.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Scream?
This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re looking at purchasing power—how far does your paycheck actually stretch?
| Expense Category | Chicago | New Bedford | The Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $365,000 | $454,500 | Chicago |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,205 | New Bedford |
| Utilities (Monthly Avg) | ~$170 | ~$160 | New Bedford |
| Groceries | ~10.1% above nat'l avg | ~5.2% above nat'l avg | New Bedford |
| Median Income | $74,474 | $53,583 | Chicago |
The Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s play with hypotheticals. If you earn $100,000 in both cities, here’s the reality:
In Chicago, your state income tax is a flat 4.95%. Your take-home is roughly $74,500 annually. You’re paying a premium for the privilege of living in a major hub, but you’re also earning more (median income is $74k vs $53k). The purchasing power is high if you live within your means, but the "sticker shock" for nightlife, parking, and events is real.
In New Bedford, you’re in Massachusetts, which has a progressive income tax (5% on most, up to 9% for high earners). On $100k, you’re looking at a slightly higher tax bite than Illinois. However, rent is 20% cheaper, and groceries are slightly cheaper. If you’re renting, your monthly cash flow is better here.
Insight: New Bedford offers better "bang for your buck" for renters and grocery spenders. Chicago offers a higher ceiling for career earnings, but the cost of living (especially housing and taxes) eats into that advantage quickly.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Chicago: The Buyer’s Market (Sort of)
With a median home price of $365,000, Chicago looks surprisingly affordable for a major metro. The Housing Index sits at 110.7, meaning it’s slightly above the national average, but compared to coastal cities, it’s a steal. The market is competitive but balanced. You can find vintage walk-ups in Lincoln Park or modern condos in the West Loop. The catch? Property taxes in Cook County are notoriously high, which can add $8,000–$12,000 annually to that mortgage payment.
New Bedford: The Seller’s Market
Here’s the shocker: New Bedford’s median home price ($454,500) is higher than Chicago’s. Despite a lower population (100k vs 2.6m) and a lower median income, housing is expensive. The Housing Index (98.9) is lower, but demand is fierce. You’re competing with Boston commuters and a limited inventory of historic homes. If you want to buy, you need to be ready to move fast and likely bid over asking.
Verdict: If you want to buy a single-family home with a yard, Chicago offers more square footage for the dollar. If you want a historic condo or a fixer-upper with sea views, New Bedford is your playground, but you’ll pay a premium for the location.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Chicago: Painful. The "L" train is iconic and efficient, but driving is a nightmare. The Kennedy Expressway is a parking lot at 5 PM. Parking downtown can cost $40+ per day. If you live in the suburbs, the Metra is reliable but adds time.
- New Bedford: Easy. You can cross the city in 15 minutes. There’s no subway, but the bus system is decent. The biggest commute hassle is Route 195 or driving into Providence (30 mins) or Boston (1 hour). Traffic here is a minor annoyance, not a lifestyle.
Weather
- Chicago: Brutal winters. 21°F average in January is just the start. The "Windy City" lives up to its name with wind chills that freeze your bones. Summers are glorious, hot, and humid (90°F+), but the lake breeze saves the day.
- New Bedford: Milder, but damp. The average winter temp is 50°F, but that’s misleading. It’s a coastal chill—damp, gray, and windy. You get nor'easters and coastal flooding. Summers are delightful, rarely hitting 90°F. If you hate snow, New Bedford wins (though it still gets several feet a year).
Crime & Safety
- Chicago: The stats are undeniable. The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100k. This is a city of extremes. Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview are incredibly safe, while others struggle. You must research your specific block. It’s a city where situational awareness is mandatory.
- New Bedford: Better, but not perfect. Violent crime is 567.0 per 100k—lower than Chicago, but still above the national average. It’s a working-class city with economic challenges, leading to property crime. However, the scale of violence is different; it feels more contained. You’ll feel safe walking downtown at night, but lock your car.
The Ultimate Verdict
There is no universal winner. This is a choice between a lifestyle of immense scale and a lifestyle of coastal charm.
Winner for Families: Chicago
Why? The public school system (selective enrollment) and suburbs (Naperville, Oak Park) offer world-class education. The cultural institutions (Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo) are unparalleled. Yes, the crime stats are scary, but families thrive in the many safe, diverse neighborhoods. The median home price ($365k) gives you access to a backyard, which is rare in a major metro.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Chicago
Why? Your career opportunities are exponentially higher. The social scene is infinite—rooftop bars, dive bars, concerts, sports. You can walk to work, take the L, and meet people from every walk of life. New Bedford is too sleepy for most young professionals; you’ll be bored in six months.
Winner for Retirees: New Bedford
Why? The pace is slower, the air is cleaner (for the East Coast), and the cost of living is manageable if you own your home. The community is tight-knit, and the ocean is a daily tonic. Chicago’s winters are too harsh for aging joints, and the city energy can be overwhelming. New Bedford offers peace, history, and a lower cost of living for those on a fixed income.
Final Pros & Cons
Chicago
Pros:
- World-Class Economy: Unmatched job opportunities in finance, tech, and logistics.
- Culture & Food: From deep-dish to fine dining, it’s a foodie paradise.
- Public Transit: The "L" and Metra get you almost everywhere without a car.
- Lake Michigan: It feels like an ocean, with beaches and parks.
Cons:
- Crime: High rates require constant vigilance.
- Taxes: High property and sales taxes eat into your paycheck.
- Winters: Bone-chilling cold and gray skies for 5 months.
- Traffic: Congestion is severe and stressful.
New Bedford
Pros:
- Coastal Living: Ocean views, fresh seafood, and a maritime vibe.
- Small-Town Feel: Easy commutes, friendly neighbors, strong community.
- Lower Rent: Cheaper than Chicago for renters.
- History & Culture: Rich whaling history, vibrant Portuguese and Cape Verdean communities.
Cons:
- Limited Job Market: Fewer high-paying careers; likely a commute to Providence or Boston.
- Housing Cost: Surprisingly high median home price for the income level.
- Isolation: Far from major airports and other major cities (except Providence).
- Weather: Damp, cold winters and nor'easters.
The Bottom Line: Choose Chicago if you want to climb the career ladder, live in a bustling metropolis, and can handle the grit and cold. Choose New Bedford if you crave the ocean, a slower pace, and a tight-knit community, and you’re willing to trade job opportunities for quality of life.