Cost of Living in North Kensington, MD

Population 8,980 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

166

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

North Kensington's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $571,000 for a typical home, 87% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $126,782 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Geographically, North Kensington sits roughly 10 miles north of Washington. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Washington's $725,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 187

Rent 134

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in North Kensington

The median home value in North Kensington is $571,000 — 87% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,766/month, 34% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,782/year is 70% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, North Kensington has a cost of living index of 166 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% more expensive.

📍

North 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:

Wheaton, MD

Median home: $483,100

Rent: $2,151/mo

Income: $107,349

Glenmont, MD

Median home: $542,300

Rent: $1,959/mo

Income: $115,058

North Bethesda, MD

Median home: $712,100

Rent: $2,161/mo

Income: $128,970

Kemp Mill, MD

Median home: $567,300

Rent: $2,105/mo

Income: $160,750

Silver Spring, MD

Median home: $619,400

Rent: $1,899/mo

Income: $98,880

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$571,000

87% above avg

Median Rent

$1,766/mo

34% above avg

Price-to-Rent Ratio

26.9x

Favors renting

Property Tax Rate

1.1%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$1,407

1 BR

$1,604

2 BR

$1,898

3 BR

$2,407

4 BR

$2,822

Owner-occupied 79.1%

Renter-occupied 20.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,766

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $2,380/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

33.9 min

26% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

24.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

59.1%

Carpooled

8.3%

Public transit

5.7%

Bicycle

0.4%

Work from home

24.7%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%

Total Sales Tax 6.0%

State rate 6.0%

Avg local rate 0.0%

Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$126,782

70% above avg

Per Capita Income

$60,924

Unemployment Rate

2.9%

39% below avg

Poverty Rate

3.8%

Labor Force Participation

69.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 30.6%

Graduate degree 27.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.2

Male median age 41.3

Female median age 45.6

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good

81.5%

Good air days/yr

165

Max AQI recorded

162

PM2.5 days

195

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in North Kensington, MD?

North Kensington has a cost index of 166 (100 = national average). It is 66% above the national average.

What is average rent in North Kensington, MD?

The median gross rent in North Kensington is $1,766 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in North Kensington?

The median home value in North Kensington is $571,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in North Kensington?

The median household income in North Kensington is $126,782 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in North Kensington, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in North Kensington is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is North Kensington, MD affordable?

North Kensington is above average in cost of living, with an index of 166 — about 66% higher than the national average.

North Kensington at a Glance

Population: 8,980
Median Income: $126,782
Home Value: $571,000
Median Rent: $1,766/mo
Unemployment: 2.9%
Sales Tax: 6.0%

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