Can A Carpenter Afford Rent in New Bedford, MA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 32.2% of gross income.
New Bedford rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a carpenter salary
Carpenter pay sits modestly above the US median household income and covers comfortable rent in most lower- and mid-cost metros. Union carpenters in high-cost cities often earn well above the BLS mean. At the national-average carpenter salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,524 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than New Bedford, which improves the affordability math on a carpenter salary:
Compare with full rent data for New Bedford
View full rent data for New Bedford, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a carpenter afford rent in New Bedford, MA?
Median rent in New Bedford is $1,897 a month. A typical carpenter in Massachusetts earns about $70,690 a year, which makes that rent 32.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a carpenter afford in New Bedford?
Using the 30% rule, a carpenter salary in Massachusetts (~$70,690/yr) supports up to $1,767 a month in rent. New Bedford's current median rent is $1,897/mo, which is $130/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a carpenter work to cover rent in New Bedford?
At an hourly equivalent of about $34 an hour, a carpenter in Massachusetts works roughly 55.8 hours a month to cover New Bedford's median rent of $1,897.
Where is rent cheaper than New Bedford for a carpenter?
Nearby Massachusetts cities with lower median rent include Spencer ($1,896/mo), Webster ($1,885/mo), Westfield ($1,882/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a carpenter salary.