Salary Needed to Live in New Bedford as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $56,436/year to live comfortably in New Bedford, MA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $56,436/year to live comfortably in New Bedford, MA. The bare-minimum salary is $52,517/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $3,329.
The minimum scenario leaves about $3,151/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $4,703/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$56,436
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$52,517
$4,376/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,151
15% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in New Bedford
| Expense | New Bedford | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $919 | $1,448 | -37% |
| Groceries | $277 | $189 | +47% |
| Utilities | $152 | $183 | -17% |
| Transportation | $186 | $211 | -12% |
| Car Insurance | $186 | $229 | -19% |
| Health Insurance | $676 | $690 | -2% |
| Medicare Supplement | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Prescription Drugs | $147 | $150 | -2% |
| Internet + Phone | $118 | $120 | -2% |
| Recreation & Social | $196 | $200 | -2% |
| Home Maintenance | $98 | $100 | -2% |
| Total Monthly | $3,151 | $3,720 | -15% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,151
Target savings (5%):$178/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,329
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$56,436
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$919
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 29% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus MA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$178/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 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $919/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $755/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $52,517/year as the survival floor and $56,436/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in New Bedford
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in New Bedford?
A retiree needs approximately $56,436/year ($4,703/month gross) to live comfortably in New Bedford with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in New Bedford?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in New Bedford costs approximately $919/month, which is the largest single expense at 29% of the total budget.
Is New Bedford affordable for a retiree?
Yes, New Bedford is 15% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.