Cost of Living in Kensington, CA

Get 300+ Local Insights for Any Address in Kensington, CA

Get Access to 300+ Local Data Points
F
130%
Overall NAT. AVG.
16%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
379%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Kensington California National
Cost of living230141100
Groceries116111100
Health care114116100
Housing479197100
Transportation126118100
Utilities123119100
Lifestyle & Entertainment132120100
Household Items114111100
Education & Childcare139127100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

Homes For Sale In Kensington, CA

property for sale

24 Arlington Ave

Kensington, CA
property for sale

85 Ardmore Rd

Kensington, CA
property for sale

178 Ardmore Rd

Kensington, CA
property for sale

73 Kingston Rd

Kensington, CA

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kensington is 63% higher than the California average
  • The cost of living in Kensington is 130% higher than the national average
  • Kensington housing is 379% higher than the national average
  • California general sales tax is 42% higher than the national average
  • California state income tax is 61% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Kensington

See all the best places to live around Kensington

Compare Kensington, CA Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Kensington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Kensington?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Kensington poll results

      The best places in California

      Here are the best places to live in CaliforniaCheck out the 10 safest cities in CaliforniaCheck out the 10 most dangerous cities in CaliforniaSafest States In The US
      Best Places in California

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$244,549$20,379$5,706$7,337
      Renters$241,819$20,152$5,642$7,255
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Kensington, CA, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Kensington, homeowners have a median income of $244,549. Using that number, a maximum of $5,706 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $241,819, which means there is a maximum of $5,642 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      California Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      California 7.25% 10.5%

      California Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      California 1% 13.3%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Costa, CA25111514.6%
      Strawberry CDP (Tuolumne County), CA11911515.1%
      Pacheco, CA4,95611111.4%
      San Miguel CDP (San Luis Obispo County), CA2,80013029.5%
      El Cerrito CDP, CA5,89614141.1%
      Kensington, CA5,357230129.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port LaBelle, FL5,356955.0%
      Livingston, TX5,3568811.9%
      Rockport, MA5,35815858.0%
      Titusville, PA5,3588218.0%
      Dunlap, TN5,3558812.1%
      Kensington, CA5,357230129.5%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
      General
      For Professionals
      Follow Us
      AV on Twitter AV on Facebook
      © AreaVibes Inc. 2010-2026