đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between New Bedford and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
New Bedford vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | New Bedford | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $53,583 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.7% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $454,500 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $278 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,205 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 98.9 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 97.0 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $2.83 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 567.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.4% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 34 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Philadelphia vs. New Bedford: A Head-to-Head Relocation Showdown
You're standing at a crossroads, looking at two cities that couldn't be more different. On one side, there's the Sixth Borough of New York, a massive East Coast metropolis with world-class museums and a gritty, legendary history. On the other, a historic whaling port on the South Coast of Massachusetts, a city of 100,683 souls that’s punching above its weight with a booming maritime and arts scene.
Choosing between Philadelphia and New Bedford isn't just about geography—it's about choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the fast-paced energy of a major city, or do you crave the tight-knit vibe of a coastal town with serious character? Let's break it down, stat by stat, so you know exactly where your next chapter belongs.
The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Coastal Cool
Philadelphia is a beast. With a population of 1,550,542, it's the sixth-largest city in the U.S. It's a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality—from the historic cobblestone streets of Old City to the vibrant, leafy streets of West Philly. The vibe here is unapologetically real. It’s a city that works hard, plays hard, and has an inferiority complex with its bigger siblings, New York and D.C. The energy is palpable, the food scene is legendary (cheesesteaks, roast pork, you name it), and the cultural institutions are top-tier. This is a city for people who want a metropolitan experience without the Manhattan price tag.
New Bedford, by contrast, feels like a secret. It’s a working-class port city with a soul. The vibe is laid-back but industrious. The waterfront is the city's heart, with a working fishing fleet and a stunning harbor walk. The arts scene is surprisingly vibrant, fueled by a creative community that has repurposed old whaling warehouses into galleries and studios. It's a city for those who want to be near the ocean, value community roots, and prefer a slower pace of life. It’s not sleepy, but it doesn’t have the 24/7 hustle of a major metro.
Who is each city for?
- Philadelphia: The ambitious professional, the history buff, the foodie, the sports fanatic, and anyone who craves the energy of a big city and the convenience of being a train ride away from NYC and D.C.
- New Bedford: The artist, the maritime enthusiast, the remote worker seeking a scenic home base, and the person who wants a city with a strong sense of place and community.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?
This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk real purchasing power. We'll use a $100,000 salary as our benchmark to see where you get more bang for your buck.
First, the raw cost of living data:
| Expense Category | Philadelphia | New Bedford | Winner (Lower Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $454,500 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,205 | New Bedford |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 98.9 | New Bedford |
| Median Income | $60,302 | $53,583 | Philadelphia |
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 726.5 | 567.0 | New Bedford |
Note: A Housing Index over 100 indicates a costlier-than-average market. Philadelphia's 117.8 shows it's a pricier housing market overall.
Salary Wars: The $100k Buying Power Breakdown
Let’s assume you earn $100,000.
In Philadelphia, your $100k feels like about $85,000 after local taxes and cost of living (based on national averages). The biggest advantage here is housing. The median home price of $270,375 is remarkably low for a major coastal city. You can find a decent rowhouse in a decent neighborhood for under $300k. Rent is higher than New Bedford, but the home-buying opportunity is a massive draw. The trade-off? You'll spend more on utilities, groceries, and transportation in the city. But the sheer variety of budget-friendly food and entertainment options can offset some costs.
In New Bedford, your $100k feels like about $88,000. The salary goes a bit further in terms of daily expenses. Groceries and utilities are slightly more aligned with the national average. However, the sticker shock comes when you look at housing. The median home price is a staggering $454,500—that's 68% higher than Philly. A $100k salary in New Bedford puts you in a tough spot for homeownership. You'd likely be priced out of the median market without a substantial down payment or dual income. Rent is cheaper, which is a huge plus for starters.
The Tax Man Cometh:
Both cities are in high-tax states. Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% income tax, while Massachusetts has a progressive rate from 5% to 9% (with a proposed "Millionaire's Tax" on high earners). Property taxes are a factor in both, but generally, they are comparable. There's no sales tax on clothing in PA (under $115), which is a nice perk. In MA, the sales tax is 6.25%.
Verdict: For pure renting power, New Bedford wins. For homeownership potential, Philadelphia is in a league of its own.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Philadelphia: A Buyer's Market (Surprisingly)
For a city of its size, Philadelphia's housing stock is diverse and, in many neighborhoods, affordable. You can buy a historic home for the price of a parking space in Manhattan. The market is competitive in desirable areas (like Fishtown or Graduate Hospital), but there are plenty of up-and-coming neighborhoods where you can get great value. It's a city of homeowners, with a strong rental market but a clear path to ownership. The Housing Index of 117.8 tells you it's above average, but the median price tells you it's a bargain relative to peers.
New Bedford: A Seller's Market (For Now)
New Bedford has seen a surge in interest, from remote workers and artists priced out of Boston. This has driven prices up dramatically. The median home price of $454,500 is eye-watering for a city with a median income of $53,583. The Housing Index of 98.9 suggests it's slightly below the national average, but that number is misleading. It's being pulled down by a large inventory of older, smaller homes. The desirable waterfront and historic district homes command premium prices, and bidding wars are common. It's a tough market for first-time buyers.
Verdict: If you're looking to buy a home on a middle-class salary, Philadelphia is the clear winner. New Bedford's housing market is challenging unless you have significant capital.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
Traffic & Commute
- Philadelphia: Commuting by car can be a nightmare. The Schuylkill Expressway and I-95 are legendary for congestion. However, the city has one of the best public transit systems in the country, the SEPTA. The Broad Street Line and Market-Frankford Line make car-free living feasible in many neighborhoods. Amtrak service to NYC, D.C., and beyond is excellent.
- New Bedford: Traffic is minimal compared to Philly. The big commute is Route 95, which can get busy during rush hour. Public transit exists (the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority), but it's not as comprehensive as Philly's. Most residents rely on cars. The upside? You're rarely stuck in traffic for long, and the scenic drive is a perk.
Weather
- Philadelphia: You get four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ is common), springs and falls are gorgeous, and winters are cold with average snowfall. It's a classic Mid-Atlantic climate.
- New Bedford: It's a coastal climate, meaning milder winters than inland Massachusetts but more gray, damp days. The average temperature is 50.0°F. Summers are pleasant and less humid than Philly, but you get more rain and fog. Nor'easters can bring heavy snow and coastal flooding. If you hate cold, damp winters, Philly might be a better bet, but New Bedford's summers are arguably superior.
Crime & Safety
- Philadelphia: The data is stark. With a violent crime rate of 726.5 per 100k, it's significantly higher than the national average. Crime is highly neighborhood-dependent. Some areas are incredibly safe, while others struggle. This is a major consideration and requires careful research on specific neighborhoods.
- New Bedford: The violent crime rate of 567.0 per 100k is also high, but notably lower than Philadelphia's. Like any city, safety varies by neighborhood. The waterfront and historic districts are generally safe, while other areas can be more challenging. It's important to be vigilant, as you would in any city.
Verdict: For daily commute ease, New Bedford wins. For weather preference, it's a toss-up (choose your poison: Philly's heat vs. New Bedford's damp chill). For safety, New Bedford has a statistical edge, but both cities require neighborhood-specific due diligence.
The Final Verdict
After breaking down the data, the vibe, and the day-to-day realities, here’s the head-to-head winner breakdown:
🏆 Winner for Families: Philadelphia
Why: The combination of significantly lower home prices, a vast array of neighborhood options with good public and private schools (in specific areas), and endless family-friendly activities (zoos, museums, parks) makes Philly the more viable option for raising a family on a middle-class budget. The safety stats are a concern, but you can find safe, affordable neighborhoods with great schools.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Philadelphia
Why: The sheer scale of opportunity in Philadelphia is unmatched. The job market is larger and more diverse, the social and dating scene is vibrant, and the cost of entry (especially for renting) is more reasonable. You can access a world-class city lifestyle without needing a $200k salary. New Bedford's scene is charming but limited for a single person seeking constant stimulation.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: New Bedford
Why: If you're retired and looking for a scenic, walkable community with a lower pace of life, New Bedford is a gem. The coastal beauty, strong arts community, and manageable size are perfect for enjoying retirement. The cost of living is tricky, but if you're selling a home in a high-cost area (like Boston or NYC), the numbers might work. Philadelphia also offers great retirement perks, but the city's intensity can be overwhelming.
At a Glance: Pros & Cons
Philadelphia
Pros:
- Affordable homeownership for a major city.
- Robust public transit (SEPTA).
- Incredible food scene and cultural institutions.
- Proximity to NYC, D.C., and the Jersey Shore.
- Vibrant, diverse neighborhoods to explore.
Cons:
- High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent).
- Traffic congestion on major highways.
- Hot, humid summers.
- High overall cost of living beyond housing.
New Bedford
Pros:
- Beautiful coastal location with a working waterfront.
- Strong, growing arts and culture scene.
- Lower rent and a more manageable scale.
- Lower violent crime rate than Philadelphia.
- Slower, community-focused pace of life.
Cons:
- Extremely high home prices relative to income.
- Limited job market outside of maritime, healthcare, and education.
- Car-dependent with limited public transit.
- Gray, damp winters and coastal weather risks.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you're a budget-conscious buyer seeking big-city amenities, a diverse job market, and a neighborhood to call home. Choose New Bedford if you're a remote worker or artist with capital to invest, who prioritizes coastal beauty, community, and a unique character over sheer scale. Your checklist for a perfect city will point you in the right direction.