Cost of Living in Erie County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Erie County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Erie County ranks #2,781 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Erie County, New York
Erie holds stable rent affordability
Erie County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% sits just below the national 28% comfort threshold, with median rent at $1,037 monthly. At $71,175 median household income, Erie residents maintain solid affordability despite rents above many smaller upstate counties.
Close to New York's state average
Erie's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio nearly mirrors New York's 17.6% average, with median rents of $1,037—just $96 below the state median. This positions Erie as representative of mid-tier New York affordability.
Buffalo-area pricing moderate regionally
Erie's $1,037 rent runs roughly 13% above neighboring upstate counties like Cortland and Chenango but remains $485 cheaper than Dutchess County. Median home values of $217,400 reflect Erie's status as an urban anchor county with significant housing stock.
Urban affordability with reasonable costs
Erie residents earning $71,175 spending $1,037 on rent allocate 17.5% of income to housing, a balanced approach in an urban setting. Homeowners pay $1,125 monthly, or 18.9% of income, keeping ownership achievable for moderate-income households.
Urban access with modest affordability
Erie offers families earning $65,000–$80,000 a combination of urban amenities and moderate housing costs that compare favorably to other major metros. At 17.5%, Erie's rent ratio delivers reasonable value for those seeking city services without premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Erie County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Erie County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,037/month in gross rent, with 30.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Erie County pay $1,037/month on average, compared to $1,125/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 8%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $41,480/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $48,214/year. With a median household income of $71,175, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Erie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Erie County is less affordable than Warren County by roughly 5% ($1,037/mo vs $1,089/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Erie County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,661
per month
Owner Cost Burden
19.0%
of gross income
The median home in Erie County may be a stretch
Median home value is $217,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,736 vs. your max of $1,661.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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