West Friendship, MD Utility & Living Guide

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West Friendship, MD Utility & Living Guide

Living in West Friendship, MD offers a unique blend of rural charm and accessibility to major cities like Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Last updated: October 10, 2026
Total Utilities$350/mo
1BR Rent$1300/mo
Sales Tax6%
COL Index110 (+10% above national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$380,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — West Friendship
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The current financial trend in West Friendship is driven by its proximity to major employment centers and its growing population, leading to increased demand for housing and services. As a result, local businesses are experiencing growth, particularly in the retail and food service sectors.
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

BGE
🔥 Gas

$60/mo

BGE
💧 Water

$50/mo

Howard County Department of Public Works
🗑️ Garbage

$30/mo

Howard County Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$70/mo

Combined Average Overhead$350/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1300/mo
2 Bedrooms$1700/mo
3 Bedrooms$2300/mo
Median Home Price$380,000
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1200

The housing market in West Friendship is competitive, with a mix of older homes and new developments. The area is popular with families and commuters, driving up demand for housing. As a result, prices have risen in recent years.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

110

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+10% above national average

Groceries

105

Transportation

100

Healthcare

102

Childcare/mo

$1200

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax6%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + County 0% + City 0%</p>

Maryland has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

55

Higher = safer
School Rating

7.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1200/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+5% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in technology, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic, schools, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

The public transit system in West Friendship is limited, but the area is relatively stroller-friendly, with wide sidewalks and accessible parks

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Clark's Elioak Farm
  • 🎯
    The Howard County Fairgrounds
  • 🎯
    Robinson Nature Center

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The neighborhoods of West Friendship and nearby Columbia are popular with families, offering a range of housing options, good schools, and community amenities. The area is also close to several parks and outdoor recreational areas.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in West Friendship based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Howard County has regulations on zoning, noise, and environmental issues, which are enforced by the county government

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📊 West Friendship — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs in West Friendship tend to be higher in the summer due to air conditioning usage, with average electricity bills increasing by 20-30% during the peak summer months. In the winter, natural gas bills may increase by 10-20% due to heating usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 21794 has a property tax millage rate of 1.04, with no local surtaxes

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

8/10, with wide sidewalks, accessible parks, and relatively flat terrain, but limited public transit options and some areas with poor sidewalk maintenance

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