Erie, CO vs Sterling, CO

The cost of living difference between Erie, CO and Sterling, CO is dramatic. Sterling is 106.8% cheaper than Erie, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Erie has a cost index of 174 while Sterling sits at 84, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Erie is $2,775/month compared to $1,052/month in Sterling — a 164% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Sterling is more affordable at $205,200 median vs $685,900.

Median household income in Erie is $163,644 compared to $44,242 in Sterling (+269.9%). While Erie is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Erie spend roughly 20.3% of their income on rent, less than the 28.5% in Sterling.