Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Erie, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 12.0% more expensive than Erie, PA. This translates to spending an extra $902 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Erie, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Erie, PA, you'd need approximately $160,823.665 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Erie, PA and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 49.2% more expensive than in Erie, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,427/month in Erie, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Erie, PA to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $902 more per month than Erie, PA, or $10824 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Erie, PA vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Erie, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Cleveland, OH area

Current salary in Erie, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $902/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $160.8K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 12.0%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$902

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$10.8K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Erie, PA

Population:93K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$150K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:112

Median Home:$414K

Erie, PA

The Keystone State

93K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 93K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Erie, PA vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Erie, PA	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$1,868/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $920more	49.2%
📦Other	$1,749/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $71.63less	4.1%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$561/mo	↑ $68.89more	14.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,027/mo	$963/mo	↓ $64.07less	6.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,535/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $45.66less	3.0%
🏥Healthcare	$558/mo	$589/mo	↑ $30.40more	5.4%

🏠Housing

↑ 49.2%

Erie, PA

$1,868

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$920

📦Other

↓ 4.1%

Erie, PA

$1,749

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$71.63

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 14.0%

Erie, PA

$492

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$68.89

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.2%

Erie, PA

$1,027

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$64.07

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 3.0%

Erie, PA

$1,535

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$45.66

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Erie, PA

$558

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$30.40

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Erie, PA: Erie Earned Income Tax$4,350/yr (2.9%)

Phoenix, AZ has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$989

To$1,390

↑ $401

1 Bed

From$1,112

To$1,510

↑ $398

2 Bed

From$1,427

To$1,750

↑ $323

3 Bed

From$1,764

To$2,330

↑ $566

Erie, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,200/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,230

Monthly in Erie, PA

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$838

Difference

Home Values

Erie

Phoenix

$150K

Median Value

$414K

↑ +4.5%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +49.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$65K - $276K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 175% more expensive than Erie

Calculate payment - Erie Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $628

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$52.32

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.4%

Rate difference

Erie, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Erie, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.