Cost of Living in Erie, CO

An Overview of Cost of Living in Erie, CO

The cost of living in Erie affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Erie is 149, which is 49% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Erie is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Erie falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Erie cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 162.1% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Erie Affordable?

Is Erie affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Erie, for instance, where the median home price falls 178.3% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 124.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Erie flaunting a median household income of $124,480, 125% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Erie?

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Erie, the utilities index stands at 11.8% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Erie, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 2.9%, and income tax rates kick off at 4.4%.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Erie, the groceries index is 4.1% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Erie, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.