F
43%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
122%
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 North Kensington Maryland National
Cost of living143121100
Groceries108105100
Health care110109100
Housing222151100
Transportation112109100
Utilities108108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111109100
Household Items103105100
Education & Childcare111112100
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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in North Kensington is 18% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in North Kensington is 43% higher than the national average
  • North Kensington housing is 122% higher than the national average
  • Maryland general sales tax is 18% higher than the national average
  • Maryland state income tax is 23% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around North Kensington

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Compare North Kensington, MD Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Cost of living index
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      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
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      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$185,891$15,491$4,337$5,577
      Renters$102,751$8,563$2,397$3,083
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in North Kensington, MD, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In North Kensington, the median monthly income is $185,891 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,337 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $102,751, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,397 on monthly rental expenses.

      Maryland Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Maryland 6% 6%

      Maryland Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Maryland 2% 5.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wakefield town, VA838928.4%
      Cottage City, MD1,1931055.5%
      Silver Hill, MD5,34613231.6%
      Seat Pleasant, MD4,92913232.1%
      Capitol Heights, MD4,60913434.2%
      North Kensington, MD9,13014342.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC9,130n/a 
      Oak Grove, MN9,13111919.3%
      Fort Valley, GA9,1278515.3%
      Berkeley, MO9,1248416.1%
      Olmsted Falls, OH9,124946.2%
      North Kensington, MD9,13014342.9%
      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.