Erie, PA Utility & Living Guide

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Erie, PA Utility & Living Guide

Erie is a city on the south shore of Lake Erie and the county seat of Erie County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is the fifth-most populous city in Pennsylvania and the most populous in Northwestern Pennsylvania with a population of 94,831 as of the 2020 census. The Erie metropolitan area had a po

Last updated: June 25, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Erie
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Erie
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Penelec (FirstEnergy)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

National Fuel Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

Erie Water Works
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Erie Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Erie’s housing market remains affordable compared to national averages, with steady demand for single-family homes near Presque Isle. Inventory is tight for renovated historic properties.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6% + County 1% + City 0.5%</p>

Pennsylvania has a flat 3.07% state income tax rate; local income taxes may apply.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
-0.3% (declining)
Political Climate
Purple (historically Democratic-leaning county with competitive statewide races)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism
Top Local Concerns
Infrastructure maintenance, economic diversification, opioid crisis
🚌 Transit for Families

EMTA buses have limited accessibility; most families rely on cars due to sparse routes and few elevators at stations.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Presque Isle State Park
  • 🎯
    Erie Zoo
  • 🎯
    Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Frontier and Westlake neighborhoods offer top-rated schools and parks. The Bayfront area provides walkable amenities but higher prices.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Erie based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Snow removal required within 24 hours of snowfall end; rental properties must be licensed annually.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Erie — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$40,201
👤 Median Age
35.1
🏠 Homeownership Rate
52.1%
🔑 Renter Rate
47.9%
📉 Poverty Rate
24.7%
💼 Unemployment Rate
7.8%
📡 Internet Access
81.9%
🎓 College Educated
20.5%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Winter heating costs can double gas bills from December-February. Summer AC use raises electric bills by ~30% July-August.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Erie County millage rates range from 20-25 mills; City of Erie adds 1.5% local services tax on wages.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Good sidewalk coverage in residential areas but uneven downtown. Excellent park access offsets limited transit accessibility.

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