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Cost of Living in Ellicott City

Ellicott City, Maryland, United States · Population 75,257

▼ -6% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,246
Couple, monthly$2,273
Family of four, monthly$2,999

Estimated Prices in Ellicott City

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$11.25per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$45.00per meal
Cappuccino$3.38each
Monthly groceries (single person)$255per month
Monthly public transport pass$41.25per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$109per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$31.50per month
Fitness club membership$31.50per month
Cinema ticket$8.25each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$713per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$496per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,488per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Ellicott City is $3,900 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,246 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,620 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($496) represents about 40% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Ellicott City

Ellicott City vs New YorkEllicott City vs Los AngelesEllicott City vs ChicagoEllicott City vs MiamiEllicott City vs HoustonEllicott City vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Woodlawn

8 km away · Maryland

Catonsville

8 km away · Maryland

Ilchester

9 km away · Maryland

Columbia

9 km away · Maryland

Milford Mill

9 km away · Maryland

Randallstown

11 km away · Maryland

Lochearn

12 km away · Maryland

Elkridge

12 km away · Maryland

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Ellicott City

Ellicott City is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,246, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $496 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,999 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,273 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Ellicott City is $3,900. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,620 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ellicott City expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,246 per month in Ellicott City including rent outside the city centre. That is 6% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Ellicott City?
A net salary of around $1,620 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Ellicott City with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Ellicott City is $3,900.
How much is rent in Ellicott City?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $713 per month in the city centre and $496 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,488.
Is Ellicott City cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Ellicott City is estimated to be about 6% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Ellicott City?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $255 in Ellicott City. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $11 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Ellicott City compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Ellicott City is estimated at $41. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Ellicott City are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 75,257). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.