Erie, PA vs Scranton, PA

Erie is moderately more affordable than Scranton, with a 10.7% lower cost of living index. Erie scores 66 compared to 74 for Scranton, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Scranton can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Erie is $836/month compared to $991/month in Scranton — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Erie is more affordable at $108,200 median vs $141,700.

Median household income in Erie is $43,397 compared to $49,531 in Scranton (-12.4%). While Scranton 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 23.1% of their income on rent, less than the 24% in Scranton.