đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between New Bedford and Houston
Head-to-Head Analysis
New Bedford vs Houston
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | New Bedford | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,583 | $62,637 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $454,500 | $335,000 |
| Price per SqFt | $278 | $175 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,205 | $1,135 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 106.5 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 103.4 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $2.35 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 912.4 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.4% | 37.1% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 44 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Head-to-Head: Houston vs. New Bedford
Choosing a new city isn't just about picking a dot on a map. It's about choosing a lifestyle. You're deciding where you'll build your life, spend your hard-earned cash, and deal with the daily grind. In this corner, we have a giant—a sprawling, sun-baked metropolis where everything is bigger. In the other corner, a historic coastal gem—a tight-knit community where the Atlantic Ocean shapes the rhythm of life.
Welcome to the heavyweight showdown: Houston, Texas versus New Bedford, Massachusetts.
This isn't just a battle of data points; it's a clash of cultures, climates, and costs. Whether you're a young professional chasing a career, a family looking for a place to put down roots, or a retiree seeking a slower pace, this guide is for you. We’re going to break it down with the data, the street-level vibes, and a healthy dose of opinion to help you decide which city deserves your next chapter.
Let's get into it.
The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Cozy Coastal Charm
Houston is a beast of a city. It’s the fourth-largest in the U.S., and it feels it. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly ambitious. This is a city powered by the energy industry, with a relentless can-do spirit. You’ll find world-class museums, a legendary food scene (the taco game is unmatched), and a sprawl that can take an hour to cross in traffic. It’s a city of transplants, meaning you’ll meet people from all over the world. The culture is a unique blend of Southern hospitality, Texan pride, and international flair. It’s for the person who wants endless options—endless restaurants, endless neighborhoods to explore, and a job market that’s always buzzing.
New Bedford, on the other hand, is a city with a soul. It’s a historic whaling port with a deep, tangible history. The vibe here is laid-back, gritty, and authentic. It’s a working-class city with a strong Portuguese and Cape Verdean influence, which you can taste in the incredible seafood and hear in the local dialect. Life revolves around the harbor, the waterfront parks, and a tight-knit community where neighbors know each other. It’s a city that’s rediscovering itself, with a burgeoning arts scene and a slower, more deliberate pace of life. It’s for the person who values character over scale, who prefers a walkable downtown and the smell of salt air to a six-lane highway.
The Verdict on Vibe:
- Houston wins if you crave anonymity, diversity, and the energy of a major metropolis.
- New Bedford wins if you want a strong sense of community, history, and a coastal lifestyle.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk cold, hard cash. You might earn a higher salary in Houston, but how far does it actually stretch? We’re going to look at purchasing power—what your income can actually buy you in each market.
First, the raw numbers. Here’s a side-by-side look at the essential costs.
| Category | Houston, TX | New Bedford, MA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $62,637 | $53,583 | Houston |
| Median Home Price | $335,000 | $454,500 | Houston |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,135 | $1,205 | Houston |
| Housing Index | 106.5 | 98.9 | New Bedford |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 912.4 | 567.0 | New Bedford |
| Avg. Temp (°F) | 59.0°F | 50.0°F | Tie (Personal Pref) |
The Salary Wars & The Tax Factor
At first glance, Houston looks like the clear financial winner. It boasts a higher median income and, crucially, no state income tax. In Texas, you keep more of your paycheck from the get-go. Massachusetts, however, has a flat state income tax of 5%. On a $100,000 salary, that’s $5,000 less in your pocket annually in New Bedford compared to Houston.
But the story gets more complex when you look at housing.
- In Houston, a $335,000 home is the median. With a $62,637 median income, the home price is roughly 5.3x the median income. That’s a tough ratio for a median earner, but the market is more accessible than in many major metros.
- In New Bedford, a $454,500 home is the median. With a $53,583 median income, that home price is a staggering 8.5x the median income. This indicates a much tighter market where median earners are heavily priced out of buying a median home.
Purchasing Power Insight: If you earn $100,000 and want to buy a home, your money goes significantly further in Houston. You can afford a much larger or better-located property for the same price. However, if you’re a renter, the difference is minimal ($1,135 vs. $1,205), but Houston’s larger rental inventory gives you more options.
The Bottom Line on Dollars: Houston offers higher raw earning potential and no state income tax, giving it a strong edge. However, New Bedford’s housing market is punishing for buyers, making the "American Dream" of homeownership a much steeper climb for the average earner.
The Housing Market: To Buy or To Rent?
Houston: The Sprawling Suburb Dream
Houston is a renter’s market with a buyer’s opportunity. The sheer amount of land means housing supply is relatively robust. You can find everything from a downtown high-rise condo to a spacious suburban home with a yard. Rent prices are stable, and competition, while present, isn’t as cutthroat as in coastal cities. For buyers, the $335,000 median price is within reach for many, especially if you have a dual income. The market is active, but it’s not the frantic, all-cash-offer frenzy you see elsewhere. The downside? You’ll almost certainly need a car. The city is built for driving, and "drive until you qualify" is a common mantra.
New Bedford: The Competitive Coastal Conundrum
New Bedford’s housing market is a different beast. The $454,500 median price is high relative to local incomes, driven by its coastal appeal, proximity to Boston, and limited space. This is a classic seller’s market. Inventory is low, and desirable homes sell fast, often above asking price. Rent is also on the higher side, and competition is fierce. You’re not just competing with locals; you’re competing with Bostonians looking for a more affordable coastal escape and investors. Finding a home here requires patience, a strong financial position, and potentially a willingness to settle for a smaller space or a fixer-upper.
The Verdict on Housing:
- For Renters: It’s a toss-up, but Houston offers more variety and space for the money.
- For Buyers: Houston is the clear winner for affordability and accessibility. New Bedford presents a significant financial barrier.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
Houston is infamous for its traffic. The city’s sprawl and car-centric design mean commutes can be long and painful. The average commute time is around 29 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour on highways like I-45 or the 610 Loop. Public transit exists but is limited; a car is a necessity.
New Bedford is a compact, walkable city. The average commute is a much shorter 23 minutes. You can easily bike or walk to many parts of downtown. While you’ll still likely need a car for errands or trips to the beach, daily life is less car-dependent. Traffic is minimal compared to Houston.
Winner: New Bedford (for less stress on your daily drive).
Weather: Humidity vs. Snow
Houston weather is a character in itself. Summers are long, brutal, and humid, with temperatures regularly soaring past 95°F with oppressive humidity. Winters are mild and short-lived, but the city can shut down over a dusting of snow. Hurricane season is a real threat, bringing heavy rain and flooding.
New Bedford has a classic New England climate. Winters are cold and snowy, with averages around 50°F but regular dips below freezing. Summers are pleasant and warm, rarely getting overwhelmingly hot. You get four distinct seasons, with the beauty of fall foliage and the coziness of winter. The ocean moderates temperatures slightly but also brings nor'easters.
Winner: Tie. It’s a matter of personal preference. Do you hate the cold or the heat more?
Crime & Safety
This is where the data tells a stark story. According to the provided data, Houston’s violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000, while New Bedford’s is 567.0 per 100,000. That’s a significant difference. New Bedford is statistically safer, though it’s important to note that crime is often localized. Both cities have areas that are perfectly safe and others that require more caution. However, the overall safety perception and statistics lean in New Bedford’s favor.
Winner: New Bedford (based on the data provided).
The Final Verdict: Which City Should You Choose?
After breaking down the data, the culture, and the daily realities, here’s the final showdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Houston
While safety is a concern, Houston’s combination of higher median income, no state income tax, and a $335,000 median home price makes it a more financially viable option for raising a family. You can find good schools in the suburbs (like Katy or The Woodlands), and there are endless family-friendly activities, from the Space Center to massive parks. The trade-off is traffic and weather, but the financial breathing room is a massive advantage.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston
For career growth, networking, and an active social life, Houston is hard to beat. The job market is diverse and robust, especially in energy, healthcare, and tech. The food and nightlife scene is legendary. You can build a professional network with people from across the globe. The cost of living, while rising, is still manageable for a young professional with a good salary. The lack of state income tax is a huge boost to your disposable income.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: New Bedford
If you’re looking to retire, quality of life often trumps raw earning potential. New Bedford’s walkability, milder summers (no brutal Houston heat), and strong sense of community are huge draws. While the cost of living is high, many retirees have paid-off homes or fixed incomes that are insulated from the local job market. The slower pace, coastal beauty, and access to Boston’s cultural and medical amenities make it an attractive, peaceful place to settle down.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Houston, TX
Pros:
- Higher Income & No State Tax: More money in your pocket.
- Lower Housing Costs: More affordable to buy a home.
- Diverse Job Market: Opportunities in energy, healthcare, tech, and more.
- World-Class Food & Culture: Unmatched culinary scene and museums.
- Endless Options: Endless neighborhoods, activities, and lifestyles.
Cons:
- Brutal Summers: Oppressive heat and humidity for 4-5 months.
- Notorious Traffic: Long, stressful commutes are the norm.
- Car Dependency: A car is a non-negotiable necessity.
- Higher Crime Rate: Statistically less safe than New Bedford.
- Sprawl: Can feel impersonal and disconnected.
New Bedford, MA
Pros:
- Safety: Lower violent crime rate.
- Walkability & Compact: Easy to get around without a car.
- Coastal Lifestyle: Access to beaches, fishing, and ocean views.
- Strong Community: Tight-knit, historic, and authentic.
- Proximity to Boston: Easy access to a major cultural hub.
Cons:
- High Housing Costs: Steep prices relative to local incomes.
- Lower Median Income: Fewer high-paying job opportunities.
- State Income Tax: 5% flat tax on earnings.
- Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy, and long.
- Smaller Scale: Limited options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
The Bottom Line: Choose Houston if you’re chasing career growth, financial mobility, and big-city amenities. Choose New Bedford if you value safety, community, a coastal setting, and a slower, more manageable pace of life.
The choice is yours. Both cities have a lot to offer, but they cater to very different dreams.