Cost of Living in Erie, PA
Population 94,156 · Pennsylvania · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $43,397, median household incomes in Erie land roughly 42% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. At 7.0%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Erie lies roughly 80 miles southwest of the nearest major metro, Buffalo. Median home values run roughly 29% lower than Buffalo's $152,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Erie
The median home value in Erie is $108,200 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $836/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,397/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Pennsylvania's top state income tax rate is 3.1% and the combined sales tax is 6.3%. The climate averages highs of 58.8°F and lows of 42.7°F, with about 104.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Erie has a cost of living index of 47 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 37 | 44 | 57 | 68 | 77 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 51 | 40 |
| Low °F | 21 | 21 | 28 | 38 | 49 | 59 | 64 | 63 | 57 | 46 | 37 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.41 | 2.52 | 3.08 | 3.47 | 3.50 | 3.70 | 3.33 | 3.35 | 4.32 | 4.38 | 3.75 | 4.17 |
| Snow" | 31.8 | 19.4 | 14.5 | 2.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 9.6 | 26.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Erie, PA?
Erie has a cost index of 47 (100 = national average). It is 53% below the national average.
What is average rent in Erie, PA?
The median gross rent in Erie is $836 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Erie?
The median home value in Erie is $108,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Erie?
The median household income in Erie is $43,397 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Erie, PA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Erie is 6.3%. The Pennsylvania state income tax top rate is 3.1%.
Is Erie, PA affordable?
Yes, Erie is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 47 — about 53% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Erie?
Erie has average high temperatures of 58.8°F and average lows of 42.7°F. Annual precipitation is 43". Average annual snowfall is 104.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Erie at a Glance
- Population
- 94,156
- Median Income
- $43,397
- Home Value
- $108,200
- Median Rent
- $836/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.3%
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