Cost of Living in Kensington, CA
Population 5,292 · California · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing prices in Kensington cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.4 million, roughly 5 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Kensington is part of the immediate Berkeley metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Berkeley's $1.4 million median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Kensington
The median home value in Kensington is $1,412,500 — 363% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $209,137/year is 180% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. California's top state income tax rate is 13.3% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Kensington has a cost of living index of 384 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 284% more expensive.
Kensington has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Kensington, CA?
Kensington has a cost index of 384 (100 = national average). It is 284% above the national average.
What is average rent in Kensington, CA?
The median gross rent in Kensington is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Kensington?
The median home value in Kensington is $1,412,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Kensington?
The median household income in Kensington is $209,137 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Kensington, CA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Kensington is 8.7%. The California state income tax top rate is 13.3%.
Is Kensington, CA affordable?
Kensington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 384 — about 284% higher than the national average.
Kensington at a Glance
- Population
- 5,292
- Median Income
- $209,137
- Home Value
- $1,412,500
- Median Rent
- $3,501/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.4%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
California Rankings
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