Cost of Living in Erie
Erie's cost of living runs genuinely low overall, anchored by substantially affordable housing, even as its own city-specific property tax rate runs meaningfully above both state and national medians.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreGenuinely affordable housing
Erie home-price figures ran $165,000-$209,960 across sources this pass -- both well below the national median.
A real, elevated CITY-specific property tax rate
Erie's own city-specific effective property tax rate ran approximately 3.95% in one cited ZIP -- meaningfully above both the ~2.75% Pennsylvania state median and the ~1.02% national median, even as Erie COUNTY's own broader rate ran much lower (~1.60%-1.62%).
A real, confirmed 1% city Earned Income Tax
The City of Erie's own municipal code confirms a 1% EIT on residents -- though this record could not independently confirm whether an additional school-district share also applies.
Key takeaways
- Erie's housing runs genuinely affordable, well below the national median across sources.
- The city's own property tax rate runs well above state and national medians, even though the surrounding county's rate is much lower.
- Confirm the current, full combined EIT rate directly -- this record could only confirm the City's own 1% portion.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Erie overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert