Cost of Living in Kensington and Chelsea
London
Borough
Population: 156,000
Average House Price
£622.6k
+115% vs UK avg (£290k)
Median Salary
£48,559
+24% vs UK avg (£39,039)
Average Rent
£2,343/mo
+95% vs UK avg (£1,200)
Quick Facts
Council Tax£1,823Band D / yr
Energy£146/ mo
Water£34.00/ mo
Broadband£40.00/ mo
Bus Pass£92.70/ mo
House Prices in Kensington and Chelsea
+3.0% year-on-year
Average Property Prices
Based on Land Registry data for 2025-12-01
Average price (all types)
£622,630
Detached£1,152,600
Semi-detached£734,500
Terraced£638,450
Flat / Apartment£497,200
House prices in Kensington and Chelsea have increased by +3.0% over the past year.
Salaries in Kensington and Chelsea
Annual Salary
Median and mean gross annual pay
Median£48,559
Mean£56,056
Median hourly rate£23.86/hr
Salary Range
Lower and upper quartile earnings
Lower quartile (25th)£33,124
Upper quartile (75th)£67,130
vs UK National Median (£39,039)
+24.4%
£9,520 above national averageMonthly Cost of Living in Kensington and Chelsea
Estimated Monthly Breakdown
What it costs to live in Kensington and Chelsea each month, based on averages from ONS and open data sources.
| Category | Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Rent(Average monthly rent) | £2,343 |
| Housing | Council Tax(Band D, paid over 12 months) | £152 |
| Utilities | Energy(Gas and electricity) | £146 |
| Utilities | Water | £34.00 |
| Utilities | Broadband | £40.00 |
| Transport | Transport(Monthly commute estimate) | £239 |
| Food | Groceries(Estimated monthly shop) | £324 |
| Leisure | Leisure(Gym, dining out, entertainment) | £195 |
| Estimated Total | £3,473 |
These figures are estimates based on averages and may vary depending on your lifestyle, property type, and household size. Council tax shown at Band D; your band may differ.
Transport Costs in Kensington and Chelsea
Monthly Bus Pass
Standard adult monthly bus pass
£92.70
Fuel per Litre
Average petrol price per litre
£1.84
Monthly Commute
Estimated monthly commuting cost
£239
Compare Kensington and Chelsea with Another Location
See how the cost of living in Kensington and Chelsea stacks up against other UK cities and towns.
Kensington and Chelsea vs London
Kensington and Chelsea vs Manchester
Kensington and Chelsea vs Birmingham
Kensington and Chelsea vs Edinburgh
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Kensington and Chelsea
- What is the average house price in Kensington and Chelsea?
- The average house price in Kensington and Chelsea is £622,630, based on HM Land Registry data for 2025-12-01. Detached homes average £1,152,600, while flats and apartments average £497,200. Prices have risen by +3.0% over the past year.
- What is the average salary in Kensington and Chelsea?
- The median annual salary in Kensington and Chelsea is £48,559, compared to the UK national median of £39,039. This is £9,520 above the national average, making it a higher-earning area. Salaries typically range from £33,124 (lower quartile) to £67,130 (upper quartile).
- How much does it cost to rent in Kensington and Chelsea?
- Average monthly rent in Kensington and Chelsea is £2,343 per month. Rents have decreased by +0.9% over the past year.
- Is Kensington and Chelsea an affordable place to live?
- Kensington and Chelsea is expensive relative to local earnings. Rent accounts for approximately 58% of the median monthly income, significantly above the 30% affordability threshold. The average monthly rent is £2,343, while the median annual salary is £48,559 (approximately £4,047 per month before tax).
- How does Kensington and Chelsea compare to London?
- The average house price in Kensington and Chelsea is £622,630, compared to approximately £551,000 in London. Property in Kensington and Chelsea is £71,630 more expensive than the London average.
- Are house prices rising or falling in Kensington and Chelsea?
- House prices in Kensington and Chelsea are currently rising, with a +3.0% increase over the past year. The current average price of £622,630 reflects data from 2025-12-01. As with all property markets, past performance does not guarantee future changes.
Nearby Locations
Explore the cost of living in other nearby areas.