Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,032 (excluding rent), and $2,685 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,753 (excluding rent), and $5,220 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.95 $19.95

$14.97 $14.97

$24.94 $24.94

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$90.8 $90.8

$50.5 $50.5

$131 $131

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.19 $10.19

$12.23 $12.23

Cappuccino

$5.12 $5.12

$3.56 $3.56

$8.15 $8.15

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.28 $3.28

$1.53 $1.53

$4.82 $4.82

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.5 $2.5

$1.47 $1.47

$3.92 $3.92

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$5.84 $5.84

$3.9 $3.9

$6.82 $6.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.71 $7.71

$4.97 $4.97

$8.95 $8.95

Milk (1 liter)

$1.13 $1.13

$0.51 $0.51

$1.46 $1.46

White Bread (500g)

$3.45 $3.45

$1.07 $1.07

$6.96 $6.96

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.49 $4.49

$2.14 $2.14

$10.99 $10.99

Eggs

$4.43 $4.43

$1.52 $1.52

$6.08 $6.08

Local Cheese (1kg)

$17.68 $17.68

$7.02 $7.02

$22.1 $22.1

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$9.86 $9.86

$4.34 $4.34

$24 $24

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.9 $15.9

$8.73 $8.73

$33.83 $33.83

Apples (1kg)

$6.9 $6.9

$2.2 $2.2

$11.04 $11.04

Banana (1kg)

$2.86 $2.86

$1.07 $1.07

$4.36 $4.36

Oranges (1kg)

$7.03 $7.03

$2.17 $2.17

$13.2 $13.2

Tomato (1kg)

$5.37 $5.37

$2.19 $2.19

$13.17 $13.17

Potato (1kg)

$2.83 $2.83

$1.92 $1.92

$6.77 $6.77

Onion (1kg)

$2.9 $2.9

$1.29 $1.29

$6.46 $6.46

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.73 $1.73

$3.47 $3.47

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.71 $2.71

$1.01 $1.01

$5.03 $5.03

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.79 $7.79

$4.87 $4.87

$14.6 $14.6

Wine (Bottle)

$15.27 $15.27

$8.14 $8.14

$25.45 $25.45

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.28 $2.28

$1.71 $1.71

$2.82 $2.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.65 $3.65

$1.61 $1.61

$5.84 $5.84

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.26 $1.26

$2.02 $2.02

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$1.85 $1.85

$6.17 $6.17

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.35 $1.35

$1.96 $1.96

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$23.68 $23.68

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.88 $0.88

$0.8 $0.8

$1.06 $1.06

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$24.9K $24.9K

$22.7K $22.7K

$32.5K $32.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$24.8K $24.8K

$23.2K $23.2K

$25K $25K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$172 $172

$89.7 $89.7

$309 $309

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.5 $52.5

$24.85 $24.85

$79.5 $79.5

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$79 $79

$39.59 $39.59

$113 $113

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.15 $42.15

$17.16 $17.16

$49.02 $49.02

Cinema Ticket

$15.34 $15.34

$13.08 $13.08

$20.34 $20.34

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,263 $1,263

$941 $941

$2,477 $2,477

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$33.8K $33.8K

$30.4K $30.4K

$34.6K $34.6K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$47.48 $47.48

$29.99 $29.99

$80 $80

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$48.53 $48.53

$25.1 $25.1

$80.3 $80.3

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$85.5 $85.5

$69.2 $69.2

$124 $124

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$109 $109

$58.9 $58.9

$147 $147

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,602 $1,602

$1,200 $1,200

$1,857 $1,857

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,328 $1,328

$981 $981

$1,471 $1,471

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,667 $2,667

$2,028 $2,028

$3,042 $3,042

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,237 $2,237

$1,711 $1,711

$2,516 $2,516

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,057 $5,057

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.57

6.9

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 25, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Ellicott City, MD, United States sits in the middle ground of the DC metropolitan region, offering a balance between city access and quieter living. It tends to feel more affordable day-to-day than downtown DC or some inner suburbs, with a range of rental options and practical shopping nearby. Digital nomads appreciate reliable internet and a calm work-life balance, while families value green spaces and predictable housing layouts. For short stays, you can stretch value by mixing walkable neighborhoods with quick drives to Baltimore and D.C. sites. Tip: Scout housing during different days of the week to understand traffic and noise patterns.

Housing searches cluster around Old Ellicott City and nearby newer developments, offering a mix of historic row houses, townhomes, and apartments. Food options range from local markets and coffee shops to familiar grocery chains within a short drive. For errands and commuting, a car is the most practical choice, with easy access to major arteries and nearby towns; some bus service exists, and ridesharing is common. Co-working spaces show up in nearby Columbia and other Howard County towns if you want a change of scenery. Ellicott City, MD, United States living cost is a helpful lens as you compare spaces and lease terms. Tip: map out a week of viewings to gauge neighborhood rhythm and compatibility with your schedule.

Quality of life here blends small-town charm with convenient access to city amenities. You can approach budgeting with a simple framework that prioritizes rent, essentials, and savings for travel or a remote-work setup. Seasonality is mild, but you’ll notice changes in heating needs and energy use through the year. To maximize value, visit several neighborhoods at different times to gauge noise, parking, and green space. Seek libraries, cafés, and parks that support focus and social life. Neighborhood fit matters: Old Ellicott City offers historic character and walkability, while newer pockets favor family-friendly amenities. Tip: join local meetups or coworking groups to expand options and connections.