Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Ellicott City, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.2% cheaper than Ellicott City, MD. This translates to saving $318 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Ellicott City, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Ellicott City, MD, you'd need approximately $146,181.369 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Ellicott City, MD and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 8.0% cheaper than in Ellicott City, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,340/month in Ellicott City, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Ellicott City, MD to Raleigh, NC?

Moving from Ellicott City, MD to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $318 per month, or $3819 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Ellicott City, MD vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Ellicott City, MD — COL adjusted from Baltimore, MD area + state data

Current salary in Ellicott City, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $318/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $146.2K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 4.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$318

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Ellicott City, MD

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$218K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:96

Median Home:$512K

Ellicott City, MD

The Old Line State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 76K residents.

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Ellicott City, MD vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Ellicott City, MD	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,682/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $213less	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,065/mo	$959/mo	↓ $105less	9.9%
📦Other	$1,632/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $75.74more	4.6%
⚡All Utilities	$593/mo	$546/mo	↓ $46.50less	7.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,318/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $34.42less	2.6%
🏥Healthcare	$575/mo	$601/mo	↑ $25.59more	4.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 8.0%

Ellicott City, MD

$2,682

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$213

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Ellicott City, MD

$1,065

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$105

less

📦Other

↑ 4.6%

Ellicott City, MD

$1,632

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$75.74

⚡All Utilities

↓ 7.8%

Ellicott City, MD

$593

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$46.50

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 2.6%

Ellicott City, MD

$1,318

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$34.42

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 4.4%

Ellicott City, MD

$575

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$25.59

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$934

To$1,570

↑ $636

1 Bed

From$1,097

To$1,640

↑ $543

2 Bed

From$1,340

To$1,800

↑ $460

3 Bed

From$1,787

To$2,255

↑ $468

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,865

Monthly in Ellicott City, MD

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$298

Difference

Home Values

Ellicott City

Raleigh

Median Value

$512K

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Calculate payment - Raleigh

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $135

Per year

Monthly Difference

$11.25

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Ellicott City, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Ellicott City, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.