Is Pittsburgh, PA cheaper than Erie, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Pittsburgh, PA is 3.4% cheaper than Erie, PA. This translates to saving $254 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Erie, PA, you'd need approximately $146,950.641 in Pittsburgh, PA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Erie, PA and Pittsburgh, PA?

Housing in Pittsburgh, PA is 4.3% more expensive than in Erie, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,050/month in Pittsburgh, PA compared to $1,427/month in Erie, PA.

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

Moving from Erie, PA to Pittsburgh, PA could save you approximately $254 per month, or $3049 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Erie, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA: 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 save $254/month moving to Pittsburgh, PA

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.0K in Pittsburgh, PA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 3.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$254

Savings

Annual Impact

$3.0K

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

Pittsburgh, PA

Population:303K

Cost Index:97

Erie, PA

The Keystone State

93K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Pittsburgh, PA

The Keystone State

303K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 303K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Erie, PA vs Pittsburgh, PA

Category	Erie, PA	Pittsburgh, PA	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,535/mo	$1,216/mo	↓ $319less	20.8%
📦Other	$1,749/mo	$1,607/mo	↓ $142less	8.1%
⚡All Utilities	$492/mo	$607/mo	↑ $114more	23.2%
🏠Housing	$1,868/mo	$1,949/mo	↑ $80.57more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,027/mo	$989/mo	↓ $38.09less	3.7%
🏥Healthcare	$558/mo	$527/mo	↓ $31.56less	5.7%

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.8%

Erie, PA

$1,535

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,216

Difference

$319

less

📦Other

↓ 8.1%

Erie, PA

$1,749

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,607

Difference

$142

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 23.2%

Erie, PA

$492

Pittsburgh, PA

$607

Difference

$114

🏠Housing

↑ 4.3%

Erie, PA

$1,868

Pittsburgh, PA

$1,949

Difference

$80.57

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.7%

Erie, PA

$1,027

Pittsburgh, PA

$989

Difference

$38.09

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 5.7%

Erie, PA

$558

Pittsburgh, PA

$527

Difference

$31.56

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Pittsburgh, PA: Pittsburgh Earned Income Tax$4,500/yr (3.0%)

Net difference+$150/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$989

To$750

↓ $239

1 Bed

From$1,112

To$850

↓ $262

2 Bed

From$1,427

To$1,050

↓ $377

3 Bed

From$1,764

To$1,400

↓ $364

Erie, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $870–$1,200/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

$6,894

Monthly in Pittsburgh, PA

$336

Difference

Home Values

Erie

Pittsburgh

$150K

Median Value

↑ +4.5%

YoY Change

↑ +49.2%

5-Year Change

$65K - $276K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Erie

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Pittsburgh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Erie, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

Pittsburgh, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

💡 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.