Cost of Living in Erie County, Pennsylvania
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 #2,622 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 17%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Erie County, Pennsylvania
Erie's Rent Burden Tops National Average
Erie County renters spend 17.1% of their income on rent, slightly above the national average of 15.8%, reflecting moderate affordability pressure. The median household income of $61,476 falls well below the national median of $74,755, making every housing dollar count more here.
Middle of the Pack Statewide
Erie's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits slightly above Pennsylvania's state average of 16.5%, placing it in the more affordable half of the state's 67 counties. With median rent at $876 per month versus the state median of $960, Erie offers modest cost relief for renters.
Erie Balances Regional Housing Costs
Erie's $876 monthly rent falls between Fayette County's $771 and Franklin County's $1,071, reflecting Erie's middle position in the region. The median home value of $169,500 is notably lower than Franklin's $236,300 but higher than Fayette's $126,900, offering a moderate entry point for buyers.
Housing Takes 34% of Renters' Budgets
With monthly rent at $876 and median household income of $61,476 (roughly $5,123 monthly), renters dedicate 17.1% to rent alone, while homeowners pay $914 monthly toward ownership. Together, housing costs consume significant portions of household budgets, leaving limited flexibility for other essentials.
Consider Erie for Balanced Living Costs
If you're relocating to Pennsylvania, Erie offers below-state-average rents while maintaining reasonable home values—a strong match for middle-income families. Compare Erie's $876 rent against higher-cost neighbors like Franklin County before deciding where affordability meets your lifestyle needs.
Cost of Living Advisory: Erie County
Affordability Verdict
Erie County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $876/month representing approximately 17.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $876/month rent versus $914/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $38/month cheaper — a 4% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $39,171/year. With a median household income of $61,476, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Erie County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Erie County sits 7% more expensive than Clinton County ($815/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Erie County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,434
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Erie County
Median home value is $169,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,353 vs. your max of $1,434.
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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