Average Rent in New Bedford, MA↓ Rents falling 1.0% YoY🔻 3rd cheapest in MA

New Bedford, MA has rental prices ranging from $1,081/month to $2,088/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,177/month — 16% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $85,646/year, spending $1,177/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How New Bedford Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,448/month, New Bedford ranks #19 most expensive of the 21 cities tracked in Massachusetts — pricier than 91% of all US cities in our data.

The New Bedford Rental Market

The New Bedford, MA area has a population of about 1,673,807 and 37% of households renting rather than owning. That is close to the US average renter share of ~34%.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in New Bedford, MA have fallen by $15/month (1.0%) over the past year, from $1,463 to $1,448. Rents have remained relatively stable year over year, indicating a balanced rental market in the area.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in New Bedford, MA without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $47,080. The local median household income of $85,646 exceeds that threshold by $38,566, making New Bedford relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in New Bedford, MA is $444,977, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 25.6. With a break-even horizon of approximately 26 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Is New Bedford, MA Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in New Bedford?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in New Bedford

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.