Cost of Living in Eldersburg, MD

Population 30,626 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023

145
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

One of the defining characteristics of Eldersburg is a long average commute — 38 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.

Geographically, Eldersburg sits roughly 15 miles northwest of Columbia. Housing prices track closely with Columbia's $480,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 157
Rent 126

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Eldersburg

The median home value in Eldersburg is $478,800 — 57% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,655/month, 26% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $146,598/year is 97% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Maryland's top state income tax rate is 5.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Eldersburg has a cost of living index of 145 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$478,800
57% above avg
Median Rent
$1,655/mo
26% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.1x
Favors renting
Property Tax Rate
1.1%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,407
1 BR
$1,604
2 BR
$1,898
3 BR
$2,407
4 BR
$2,822
Owner-occupied 88.5%
Renter-occupied 11.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,655
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,269/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
37.8 min
40% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
20.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.0%
Carpooled
2.7%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
20.8%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 5.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.1%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$146,598
97% above avg
Per Capita Income
$59,145
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
37% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.2%
Labor Force Participation
69.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 32.1%
Graduate degree 21.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.8
Male median age 39.3
Female median age 40.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
75%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Eldersburg, MD?

Eldersburg has a cost index of 145 (100 = national average). It is 45% above the national average.

What is average rent in Eldersburg, MD?

The median gross rent in Eldersburg is $1,655 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Eldersburg?

The median home value in Eldersburg is $478,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Eldersburg?

The median household income in Eldersburg is $146,598 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Eldersburg, MD?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Eldersburg is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.

Is Eldersburg, MD affordable?

Eldersburg is above average in cost of living, with an index of 145 — about 45% higher than the national average.

Eldersburg at a Glance

Population
30,626
Median Income
$146,598
Home Value
$478,800
Median Rent
$1,655/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Maryland →
🗺️ County data for Maryland

Explore county-level cost of living data

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