| Index | Kettering | Ohio | National |
| Cost of living | 91 | 89 | 100 |
| Groceries | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 96 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 81 | 74 | 100 |
| Transportation | 99 | 96 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 96 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 93 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 95 | 93 | 100 |
The cost of living in Kettering affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Kettering is 91, which is 9% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Kettering closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Kettering can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
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 22% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 13.1% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kettering boasting a median household income of $92,392, 13.6% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Kettering, the standard sales tax rate starts at 5.75%, and the income tax rates commence at 2.76%.
Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Kettering, the housing index stands at 19.3% lower 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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| Groceries index | |
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $115,792 | $9,649 | $2,702 | $3,474 |
| Renters | $54,924 | $4,577 | $1,281 | $1,648 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Ohio | 5.75% | 8% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Ohio | 2.76% | 3.99% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Centerville village, OH | 70 | 78 | 21.7% |
| Drexel, OH | 2,369 | 79 | 21.4% |
| Highland Holiday, OH | 704 | 79 | 21.1% |
| Dayton, OH | 145,927 | 82 | 17.9% |
| Trotwood, OH | 25,200 | 83 | 17.1% |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 91 | 8.8% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 151 | 51.0% |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 122 | 22.3% |
| Oak Lawn, IL | 57,180 | 106 | 5.8% |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 91 | 8.8% |
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