Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD
Population 73,737 · Maryland · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Ellicott City sits 111% above the national median — $644,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $157,891 (112% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Ellicott City sits roughly 5 miles north of Columbia — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 34% higher than Columbia's $480,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ellicott City
The median home value in Ellicott City is $644,300 — 111% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,001/month, 52% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $157,891/year is 112% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Ellicott City has a cost of living index of 188 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 88% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ellicott City, MD?
Ellicott City has a cost index of 188 (100 = national average). It is 88% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ellicott City, MD?
The median gross rent in Ellicott City is $2,001 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ellicott City?
The median home value in Ellicott City is $644,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ellicott City?
The median household income in Ellicott City is $157,891 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ellicott City, MD?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ellicott City is 6.0%. The Maryland state income tax top rate is 5.8%.
Is Ellicott City, MD affordable?
Ellicott City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 188 — about 88% higher than the national average.
Ellicott City at a Glance
- Population
- 73,737
- Median Income
- $157,891
- Home Value
- $644,300
- Median Rent
- $2,001/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Maryland Rankings
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