Can A Welder Afford Rent in New Bedford, MA?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.2% of gross income.
New Bedford rent: July 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Massachusetts state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Massachusetts cities have lower median rent than New Bedford, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for New Bedford
View full rent data for New Bedford, MA →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in New Bedford, MA?
Median rent in New Bedford is $1,897 a month. A typical welder in Massachusetts earns about $59,636 a year, which makes that rent 38.2% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in New Bedford?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Massachusetts (~$59,636/yr) supports up to $1,491 a month in rent. New Bedford's current median rent is $1,897/mo, which is $406/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in New Bedford?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a welder in Massachusetts works roughly 66.2 hours a month to cover New Bedford's median rent of $1,897.
Where is rent cheaper than New Bedford for a welder?
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 welder salary.