Essex, MD vs Kettering, MD

The cost of living difference between Essex, MD and Kettering, MD is dramatic. Essex is 31.9% cheaper than Kettering, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Essex has a cost index of 97 while Kettering sits at 142, 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 Essex is $1,307/month compared to $2,285/month in Kettering — a 43% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Essex is more affordable at $253,500 median vs $416,500.

Median household income in Essex is $67,082 compared to $124,036 in Kettering (-45.9%). While Kettering is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex spend roughly 23.4% of their income on rent, more than the 22.1% in Kettering.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (59.1°F vs 59.3°F). Essex receives more rainfall at 43.7" per year compared to 41.8" in Kettering.