📊 Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between New Bedford and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
New Bedford vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
📋 The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | New Bedford | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,583 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $454,500 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $278 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,205 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.4% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
The Ultimate Showdown: Los Angeles vs. New Bedford
So, you’re torn between the glittering sprawl of Los Angeles and the historic, working-class grit of New Bedford, Massachusetts. It’s a head-to-head that feels almost unfair—like pitting a luxury sports car against a rugged pickup truck. Both have their place, but they serve vastly different lifestyles and budgets. As your relocation expert, I’m here to cut through the hype and give you the real dirt on where your life, and your paycheck, will go further.
Let’s break it down.
The Vibe Check: Hollywood Dreams vs. Whaling History
Los Angeles is the definition of a fast-paced, world-class metro. It’s a sprawling, sun-drenched beast of a city where ambition meets traffic. The vibe is eclectic and aspirational—everywhere you look, someone is chasing a dream, whether in entertainment, tech, or art. It’s for the dreamers, the hustlers, and those who crave endless sunshine, diverse food scenes, and cultural cachet. If you need access to the global stage and don’t mind the hustle (and the cost), LA is your playground.
New Bedford, on the other hand, is a historic port city with a soul. It’s the "Whaling City," steeped in maritime history and a resilient, blue-collar spirit. The vibe is laid-back, authentic, and unpretentious. It’s a place of tight-knit communities, vibrant fishing culture, and a quiet coastal beauty that doesn’t scream for attention. New Bedford is for those who prioritize community, affordability, and a slower pace of life over global recognition. It’s a city for realists who want a solid home without the Hollywood price tag.
Who is each city for?
- Los Angeles: The aspiring creative, the tech entrepreneur, the foodie, the sun-worshipper who values proximity to the industry epicenter above all else.
- New Bedford: The budget-conscious professional, the artist seeking a low-cost creative haven, the history buff, and anyone who prefers a tight community over a sprawling anonymous metropolis.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let’s talk purchasing power. The sticker shock in LA is real, and New Bedford offers a massive discount on the American Dream.
Cost of Living Comparison Table
| Category | Los Angeles | New Bedford | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $1,002,500 | $454,500 | New Bedford |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $1,205 | New Bedford |
| Housing Index (US Avg=100) | 173.0 | 98.9 | New Bedford |
| Median Income | $79,701 | $53,583 | Los Angeles |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 732.5 | 567.0 | New Bedford |
Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s run a scenario. Imagine you earn a solid $100,000 a year.
In Los Angeles, that $100k gets immediately docked by California’s high state income tax (up to 13.3%). After taxes, your take-home pay is significantly reduced. Your housing alone will consume a massive chunk. A median $2,006 rent for a 1BR apartment means you’re spending over 24% of your gross income just on rent (before utilities, groceries, and that brutal car payment). Your purchasing power feels squeezed from day one. You’re living in a world-class city, but you’re likely living paycheck-to-paycheck unless you’re a high earner.
In New Bedford, that same $100k goes much further. Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax. Your take-home pay is higher. A median $1,205 rent is only 14% of your gross income. That leaves you with $1,000+ more per month for savings, entertainment, or travel compared to LA. Groceries and utilities are also generally cheaper. In New Bedford, a $100k salary feels like a $150k salary in LA. You can afford to save, buy a home, and live comfortably without the constant financial anxiety.
Verdict: New Bedford wins the dollar power round in a landslide. The cost-of-living gap is so vast that it overrides LA’s higher median income. For the vast majority of people, New Bedford offers a far more comfortable financial life.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & Market Dynamics
Los Angeles: The market is notoriously cutthroat. With a housing index of 173.0, you’re paying a 73% premium over the national average. It’s a Seller’s Market in the extreme sense. Inventory is chronically low, bidding wars are common, and all-cash offers from investors are rampant. Renting is the default for most, but even that is competitive. To buy a median home at $1,002,500, you’d need a massive down payment and a jumbo loan. It’s a market for the wealthy or those with significant equity.
New Bedford: The market is stable and accessible. With a housing index of 98.9, it’s slightly above average but within reach. It’s a more balanced market, often favoring buyers due to the larger inventory of historic homes and working-class housing stock. You can find a charming 3-bedroom house for $454,500—a figure that would get you a starter condo in a distant LA suburb. Renting is also easier to navigate with less competition. For aspiring homeowners, New Bedford represents a realistic path to equity, while LA often feels like an impossible dream.
Verdict: New Bedford is the clear winner for anyone looking to build wealth through homeownership. LA’s market is for investors or the ultra-wealthy.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute:
- Los Angeles: This is a major dealbreaker. LA is synonymous with traffic. The average commute can be over 30 minutes each way, and during rush hour, simple trips can turn into hour-long ordeals. A car is non-negotiable, and you’ll spend a significant portion of your life in it.
- New Bedford: Commutes are a breeze. A 10-15 minute drive is typical for most residents. The city is compact, and you’re never far from anything. You’ll spend less time in the car and more time living your life.
Weather:
- Los Angeles: The 54°F average is a bit misleading. LA boasts a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers (often 90°F+) and mild, damp winters. It’s famously sunny, but you trade four distinct seasons for consistent pleasantness. The biggest weather issue is drought and wildfire risk.
- New Bedford: The 50°F average reflects true four-season living. You get beautiful autumns, snowy winters (expect 40-50 inches of snow annually), and humid summers. It’s for those who love seasonal change, but the winter cold and snow can be a major adjustment.
Crime & Safety:
- Los Angeles: Violent crime is a significant concern. At 732.5 per 100k, it’s nearly 30% higher than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood, but you must be vigilant.
- New Bedford: While still above the national average, its violent crime rate of 567.0 per 100k is notably lower than LA’s. It’s a city with challenges, but statistically, you’re less likely to be a victim of violent crime here than in LA.
Verdict: For daily peace of mind, New Bedford wins. Less traffic, lower crime, and a more manageable pace of life are significant quality-of-life upgrades for most people.
The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?
After dissecting the data and the lifestyles, here’s the ultimate breakdown.
Winner for Families: New Bedford
Why: The math is undeniable. You can buy a spacious home for half the price of an LA starter home. The lower crime rate, easier commutes, and strong community feel are better for raising kids. You’ll have more disposable income for family activities, college savings, and vacations.
Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Los Angeles (with a caveat)
Why: If your career is in entertainment, tech, or a global industry, LA’s network and opportunities are unparalleled. The social scene is vibrant and endless. However, this is only true if you earn a high salary (think $150k+) to afford the lifestyle. Otherwise, the financial grind will overshadow the glamour. For most young professionals, New Bedford offers a better balance of career opportunity (in fields like healthcare, education, or the arts) and quality of life.
Winner for Retirees: New Bedford
Why: Stretching retirement savings is critical. New Bedford’s affordable housing, lower taxes, and slower pace are ideal for retirees. You own a home outright, enjoy the coastal air, and live comfortably on a fixed income. LA’s high costs and stress are counterproductive to a relaxing retirement.
Los Angeles: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Unmatched career opportunities in specific industries.
- World-class dining, entertainment, and cultural amenities.
- Iconic, sunny weather year-round.
- Incredible geographic diversity (beaches, mountains, deserts nearby).
Cons:
- Extreme cost of living and housing unaffordability.
- Brutal traffic and long commutes.
- High crime rates in many areas.
- Constant pressure and competitive atmosphere.
New Bedford: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional affordability and high purchasing power.
- Accessible housing market for buyers.
- Lower crime rates and easier commutes.
- Rich history, authentic culture, and strong community ties.
- Proximity to Boston and the Cape.
Cons:
- Fewer high-profile career opportunities.
- Harsh, snowy winters.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment compared to a major metro.
- Less diverse overall.
Bottom Line: Choose New Bedford if you want financial freedom, a simpler life, and a genuine community. Choose Los Angeles only if your career demands it and you’re prepared for the high-stakes, high-cost hustle. For most people, the data points to New Bedford as the smarter, more livable choice.