Annapolis, MD vs Ellicott City, MD

Annapolis is moderately more affordable than Ellicott City, with a 10.3% lower cost of living index. Annapolis scores 134 compared to 150 for Ellicott City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ellicott City can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Annapolis is $1,855/month compared to $2,001/month in Ellicott City — a 7% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Annapolis is more affordable at $510,200 median vs $644,300.

Median household income in Annapolis is $104,257 compared to $157,891 in Ellicott City (-34%). While Ellicott City is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Annapolis spend roughly 21.4% of their income on rent, more than the 15.2% in Ellicott City.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (57.7°F vs 56.2°F). Ellicott City receives more rainfall at 45" per year compared to 44" in Annapolis.