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Columbia, MD, part of the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area was ranked in 2020 as one of the Best Places to Live in the U.S. by Money magazine. Social Security is not taxed in Maryland, and retirement and public pensions are only partially taxed, although private pensions are fully taxed, and sales tax is 18.7% lower than the national average at 6%. The city gets less snow and more sunshine than the national average, giving seniors more opportunities to enjoy the museums, restaurants and waterfront of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, which is only a 20-mile drive from Columbia.
Seniors in the city make up 14.3%of the total population, and those in need of help with daily tasks can choose from 13 assisted living facilities averaging $4,225 per month. Actual costs vary depending on location, services, and amenities.
Note: Data for Columbia was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Baltimore, was used instead.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2019, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Columbia is $4,225, which is $75 lower than the state average of $4,300 and $174 higher than the national median of $4,051. To the north in Pennsylvania, the cost of assisted living is several hundred dollars less than in Columbia, and to the west in West Virginia, it’s around $500 lower. To the east in Delaware, fees are about $1,700 higher, and to the south in Virginia seniors pay nearly $500 more per month.
Compared to other cities in Maryland, assisted living costs in Columbia are average to below average. Costs are higher per month closer to urban and shoreline areas, such as in the California area and Salisbury at $6,263 and $5,250, respectively. Prices decrease in the northwest part of the state near Pennsylvania; seniors in Hagerstown pay $4,050, and in Cumberland, they pay $3,750 on average.
Columbia seniors can apply for both Medicaid and non-Medicaid programs to help pay for the cost of assisted living. The Community Options Waiver, the Increased Community Services Program and the Community First Program are state Medicaid programs and the Senior Assisted Living Subsidy Program is a non-Medicaid state program that helps seniors afford the cost of services received while in assisted living. To learn more about these programs and their eligibility requirements, visit our Assisted Living in Maryland page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Howard County Office on Aging and Independence | (410) 313-6400 | Howard County Office on Aging and Independence is committed to helping older adults and those with disabilities access the services they need to remain independent for as long as possible. Its No Wrong Approach ensures seniors can easily access the services they need regardless of where they live, including in an assisted living facility. |
| Howard County 50+ Centers | (410) 313-7680 | Seniors in Howard County have six 50+ Centers to choose from, with the closest to Columbia only 5 miles away in East Columbia. Fitness, education, wellness and volunteer opportunities provide plenty for seniors to do. There are also virtual offerings for those who don’t want to travel. Membership is free and gives seniors access to all six locations, but registration is required. |
| Phone A Senior Program | (410) 313-1234 or email [email protected]. | Seniors who feel lonely or isolated need not be alone in Howard County. Volunteers in the Phone A Senior Program make weekly calls to check up on and chat with seniors who would like some support. |
| Loan Closet | (410) 313-0363 | Loan Closet is another Howard County program that provides seniors with refurbished durable medical equipment, such as canes, walkers, bathing equipment, communication devices, therapy aids and low-vision equipment. Assistive equipment is available for short- or long-term loan. |
| Office Of Veterans and Military Families | (410) 313-0821 | The Office of Veterans and Military Families is dedicated to helping servicemembers and their families obtain all benefits they are entitled to as a result of their service. They work closely with other departments in the county and state offices to uphold the No Wrong Door pathway to services. |
All assisted living facilities in Maryland, including in Columbia, are required to follow state laws and regulations regarding patient’s rights, staffing and medication management and are monitored by the Office of Health Care Quality. Visit our Assisted Living in Maryland page to learn more about these policies.