Cost of Living Comparison for Erie, PA
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Erie's cost of living index is 84 — 16% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
✓ Calculator below is pre-filled with Erie local data
How Erie Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Erie stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Erie, PA | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $160,000 | $420,800 | -62.0% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $850 | $1,713 | -50.4% |
| Median Household Income | $51,400 | $74,580 | -31.1% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.50% | 1.10% | +36.4% |
| Cost of Living Index | 84 | 100 | -16.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Erie Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 270,000
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg Commute
- 21 min
- Median Age
- 38.6
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 15.7x
- Annual Property Tax
- $2,400
Cost of Living Comparison in Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Erie
What is the median home price in Erie, PA?
The median home price in Erie is $160,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Erie?
Median monthly rent in Erie is $850. That works out to $10,200/year, or 20% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Erie affordable?
Erie's cost of living index is 84 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $51,400/year and a median home price of $160,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.1x. Erie remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Erie?
The effective property tax rate in Erie is 1.50% of assessed value. On the median home of $160,000, that's roughly $2,400/year ($200/month).