F
47%
Overall NAT. AVG.
9%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
137%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Kemp Mill Maryland National
Cost of living147120100
Goods & Services109108100
Groceries109106100
Health care119106100
Housing237151100
Transportation100100100
Utilities110114100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kemp Mill, MD

Understanding the cost of living in Kemp Mill can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Kemp Mill cost of living index is 147, which is 47% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Kemp Mill 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, Kemp Mill falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Kemp Mill cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 137.3% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Kemp Mill Affordable?

Wondering if Kemp Mill is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Kemp Mill, for example, the median home price is 150.6% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 106.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Kemp Mill boasting a median household income of $188,088, which is 131.3% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kemp Mill?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Kemp Mill, the transportation index is 0.4% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Kemp Mill cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kemp Mill is 22% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Kemp Mill is 47% higher than the national average
  • Kemp Mill housing is 137% 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 Kemp Mill

See all the best places to live around Kemp Mill

Compare Kemp Mill, MD Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$203,553$16,963$4,749$6,107
      Renters$135,731$11,311$3,167$4,072
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Kemp Mill, MD, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Kemp Mill have a median income of $203,553. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,749 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $135,731, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $3,167.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      Haircut $41.13$27.6248.9%
      Beauty Salon $71.72$51.1140.3%
      Toothpaste $4.14$4.091.2%
      Shampoo $1.98$1.5428.4%
      Movie $19.37$12.8850.4%
      Yoga $30.78$19.6656.6%

      Groceries

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $8.19$7.706.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.60$1.663.7%
      Milk $4.85$4.732.5%
      Potatoes $5.49$5.264.4%
      Pizza $12.43$12.762.6%
      Beer $11.02$10.554.5%

      Health Care

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $222.59$140.0658.9%
      Doctor $192.17$153.8224.9%
      Dentist $150.29$123.1522.0%
      Ibuprofen $12.57$11.737.1%
      Lipitor $22.16$23.616.1%

      Housing

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      Home Price $818,491.00$326,622.00150.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $5,047.56$2,480.25103.5%
      Apartment Rent $2,978.00$1,444.00106.2%

      Transportation

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.10$3.061.3%
      Tire Balancing $64.30$65.211.4%

      Utilities

      Item Kemp Mill National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $251.50$220.1214.3%
      Phone $201.91$195.713.2%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wakefield town, VA838955.2%
      Cottage City, MD1,1931087.5%
      Silver Hill, MD5,34611313.3%
      Seat Pleasant, MD4,92911413.8%
      Capitol Heights, MD4,60911616.0%
      Kemp Mill, MD15,20114747.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Jacksonville, TX15,1998415.8%
      Carthage, MO15,1958217.9%
      Natchez, MS15,2078713.0%
      Franklin Park, PA15,19013231.7%
      Rosemère, QC15,188n/a 
      Kemp Mill, MD15,20114747.2%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.