F
53%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
167%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Erie Colorado National
Cost of living153115100
Groceries102104100
Health care104107100
Housing267136100
Transportation103106100
Utilities108108100
Lifestyle & Entertainment111107100
Household Items105105100
Education & Childcare104111100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Erie, CO

Knowing the cost of living in Erie allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Erie stands at 153, marking it 53% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Erie may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Erie falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Erie, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 166.8% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Erie Affordable?

Wondering if Erie is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Erie, for example, the median home price is 186.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 120.3% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Erie boasting a median household income of $186,042, which is 128.7% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Erie?

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Erie, the healthcare costs are 3.5% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Erie, the utilities index is 7.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Erie cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Erie is 33% higher than the Colorado average
  • The cost of living in Erie is 53% higher than the national average
  • Erie housing is 167% higher than the national average
  • Colorado general sales tax is 43% lower than the national average
  • Colorado state income tax is 69% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Erie

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Compare Erie, CO Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$210,172$17,514$4,904$6,306
      Renters$107,874$8,990$2,517$3,237
      The affordability of the housing market in Erie, CO as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Erie homeowners, the median income is $210,172. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,904 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $107,874. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $2,517 for their rent related monthly costs.

      Colorado Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Colorado 2.9% 10%

      Colorado Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Colorado 4.4% 4.4%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Eldorado Springs, CO3321098.9%
      Leyner, CO01098.9%
      Federal Heights, CO14,024955.1%
      Derby, CO9,36511110.6%
      Welby, CO15,92211717.0%
      Erie, CO28,20115353.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Horn Lake, MS28,1969010.0%
      Bergenfield, NJ28,18613333.4%
      Mililani Town, HI28,24918585.0%
      Oak Forest, IL28,1441043.9%
      Easton, PA28,264946.4%
      Erie, CO28,20115353.2%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.