Kensington vs. Silver Spring, MD: How Do They Compare for Homebuyers?
Short answer: Kensington and Silver Spring are both in Montgomery County and both are close to Washington, DC, but their size, housing mix and prices look different. Based on the figures on my area pages, the median sales price is higher in Kensington than in Silver Spring. The right choice depends on your budget, commute and the type of home you want, and I'd compare them with fresh MLS numbers before you decide.
The numbers side by side
| Kensington, MD | Silver Spring, MD | |
|---|---|---|
| Median sales price | $944,450 | $528,450 |
| Average sales price | $1,036,698 | $566,128 |
| Population | 19,552 | 286,865 |
Source: Attom Data as shown on my Kensington and Silver Spring area pages, October 2026. The two areas are defined differently (the Silver Spring figures cover a much larger population and a wider mix of housing types), so treat this as a starting point, not a like-for-like comparison.
What can differ
- Price and property type. A larger area with a wider mix of housing types can show a different median than a smaller area, so the gap isn't only about location. Compare the same property type when you shop.
- Commute. Check your actual route and times for the hours you travel. Transit options differ by neighborhood, so test it before you buy.
- Taxes and fees. Both are in Montgomery County, so county tax rules are the same. Individual HOA, condo and special assessment costs can differ a lot.
- Schools. If schools matter to you, look up each assigned school directly with Montgomery County Public Schools. Boundaries change, and addresses a block apart can be assigned differently.
How I'd compare them for you
I'd start with your monthly budget and must-haves, then pull recent sales for homes that match, in each area. That's the same method behind my Seller Pricing Analysis and my buyer property analyses. You'd see what a similar home actually sold for, not an automated estimate.
Common questions
Is Kensington more expensive than Silver Spring?
By the median figures on my area pages, yes. Property type and the size of the area affect that comparison, so check recent sales for the type of home you want.
Which is closer to Washington, DC?
Both have routes into the city. Check drive and transit times for your own schedule, since they vary by street and time of day.
How do I compare neighborhoods fairly?
Use the same property type, size and condition, and look at sales from the last six months.
What about Bethesda?
I can add Bethesda to the comparison. Ask me and I'll pull current MLS numbers for all three.
Where do I start?
Tell me your budget and timeline on a 15-minute call and I'll put together the comparison.
Michael Wade, REALTOR®, Samson Properties. Licensed in Maryland and Washington, DC.
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