| Index | Kettering | Maryland | National |
| Cost of living | 131 | 121 | 100 |
| Groceries | 103 | 105 | 100 |
| Health care | 108 | 109 | 100 |
| Housing | 190 | 151 | 100 |
| Transportation | 108 | 109 | 100 |
| Utilities | 104 | 108 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 105 | 109 | 100 |
| Household Items | 108 | 105 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 109 | 112 | 100 |
Knowing the cost of living in Kettering allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kettering stands at 131, marking it 31% higher than the national average.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Kettering may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Kettering falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs significantly influence the Kettering cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 90.2%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Is Kettering affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Kettering, the median home price is 75.7% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 124.2% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kettering boasting a median household income of $149,763, 84.1% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Kettering, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 6%, and income tax rates kick off at 2%.
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Kettering, the groceries index registers 3.1% higher than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Kettering, healthcare costs are 7.5% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Kettering are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $151,907 | $12,659 | $3,544 | $4,558 |
| Renters | $116,926 | $9,744 | $2,728 | $3,508 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Maryland | 6% | 6% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Maryland | 2% | 5.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Belle Haven town, VA | 578 | 99 | 1.4% |
| Cottage City, MD | 1,193 | 105 | 5.5% |
| Silver Hill, MD | 5,346 | 132 | 31.6% |
| Seat Pleasant, MD | 4,929 | 132 | 32.1% |
| Capitol Heights, MD | 4,609 | 134 | 34.2% |
| Kettering, MD | 13,628 | 131 | 31.4% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| McFarland, CA | 13,633 | 111 | 10.6% |
| Conway, FL | 13,622 | 116 | 15.7% |
| Indiana, PA | 13,616 | 89 | 10.7% |
| Black Forest, CO | 13,615 | 172 | 72.4% |
| Warrensville Heights, OH | 13,615 | 85 | 14.9% |
| Kettering, MD | 13,628 | 131 | 31.4% |
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