F
51%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
160%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; 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 Ellicott City Maryland National
Cost of living151119100
Goods & Services103106100
Groceries105106100
Health care9897100
Housing260150100
Transportation10198100
Utilities111111100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Ellicott City is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Ellicott City is 151, which is 51% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

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

When it comes to the cost of living in Ellicott City, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 160.1% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Ellicott City Affordable?

Wondering if Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City, for example, the median home price is 196% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 76.2% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Ellicott City boasting a median household income of $132,083, which is 138.8% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ellicott City?

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Ellicott City, healthcare costs are 2.5% lower than the national average.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Ellicott City, the transportation index stands at 1.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Ellicott City, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ellicott City is 27% higher than the Maryland average
  • The cost of living in Ellicott City is 51% higher than the national average
  • Ellicott City housing is 160% 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 Ellicott City

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Compare Ellicott City, MD Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      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$166,985$13,915$3,896$5,010
      Renters$71,578$5,965$1,670$2,148
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Ellicott City, MD, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Ellicott City, homeowners have a median income of $166,985. Using that number, a maximum of $3,896 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $71,578, which means there is a maximum of $1,670 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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 Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.33$24.2616.8%
      Beauty Salon $58.17$45.5627.7%
      Toothpaste $3.69$3.700.3%
      Shampoo $1.44$1.2812.7%
      Movie $13.69$12.1312.9%
      Bowling $23.03$18.0027.9%

      Groceries

      Item Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.23$5.846.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.73$4.671.2%
      Potatoes $5.46$4.9310.7%
      Pizza $13.24$12.099.5%
      Beer $10.36$10.410.5%

      Health Care

      Item Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $114.22$125.689.1%
      Doctor $133.22$135.781.9%
      Dentist $117.22$113.293.5%
      Ibuprofen $11.10$10.654.2%
      Lipitor $401.39$468.6014.3%

      Housing

      Item Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $546,700.00$184,700.00196.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,906.29$2,346.6918.8%
      Apartment Rent $1,672.00$949.0076.2%

      Transportation

      Item Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.46$3.460.1%
      Tire Balancing $62.66$59.924.6%

      Utilities

      Item Ellicott City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $223.91$193.9915.4%
      Phone $199.62$192.253.8%
      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.
      Baltimore, MD602,2741022.1%
      Lansdowne, MD8,6351022.4%
      Baltimore Highlands, MD7,8801077.1%
      Woodlawn CDP (Prince George's County), MD7,8731077.4%
      Parkville, MD30,4591087.8%
      Ellicott City, MD73,27215150.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Flagstaff, AZ73,31912928.7%
      Apple Valley, CA73,33911818.4%
      Schaumburg, IL73,39211616.3%
      Bismarck, ND73,4351054.8%
      St. Albert, AB73,103n/a 
      Ellicott City, MD73,27215150.7%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.