Chevy Chase, MD vs South Kensington, MD

The cost of living difference between Chevy Chase, MD and South Kensington, MD is dramatic. South Kensington is 35.8% cheaper than Chevy Chase, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Chevy Chase has a cost index of 282 while South Kensington sits at 208, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Chevy Chase is $3,501/month compared to $3,141/month in South Kensington — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South Kensington is more affordable at $905,000 median vs $1,678,700.

Median household income in Chevy Chase is $250,001 compared to $193,793 in South Kensington (+29%). The higher salaries in Chevy Chase partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Chevy Chase spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 19.4% in South Kensington.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (59.3°F vs 59.3°F). South Kensington receives more rainfall at 41.8" per year compared to 41.8" in Chevy Chase.