Salary Needed to Live in New Bedford as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $131,768/year to live comfortably in New Bedford, MA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $131,768/year to live comfortably in New Bedford, MA. The bare-minimum salary is $104,317/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $7,654.
The minimum scenario leaves about $6,259/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $10,981/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$131,768
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$104,317
$8,693/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$6,259
12% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in New Bedford
| Expense | New Bedford | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,593 | $2,509 | -37% |
| Groceries | $776 | $528 | +47% |
| Utilities | $281 | $337 | -17% |
| Transportation | $464 | $526 | -12% |
| Car Insurance | $186 | $229 | -19% |
| Health Insurance | $676 | $690 | -2% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,176 | $1,200 | -2% |
| Internet + Phones | $176 | $180 | -2% |
| Children Activities | $245 | $250 | -2% |
| Dining Out | $343 | $350 | -2% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $147 | $150 | -2% |
| Total Monthly | $6,259 | $7,149 | -12% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$6,259
Target savings (15%):$1,395/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$7,654
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$131,768
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,593
3BR Apartment/House rent is 25% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus MA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,395/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
98/100
New Bedford is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,593/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $2,283/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $104,317/year as the survival floor and $131,768/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in New Bedford
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in New Bedford?
A family with kids needs approximately $131,768/year ($10,981/month gross) to live comfortably in New Bedford with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in New Bedford?
A 3br apartment/house in New Bedford costs approximately $1,593/month, which is the largest single expense at 25% of the total budget.
Is New Bedford affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, New Bedford is 12% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.