Abilene vs Erie
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Abilene
Erie
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 1.2%, with Abilene being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Abilene has equivalent purchasing power to $75,938 in Erie.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Abilene has the same purchasing power as $75,938 in Erie.
Conversely, $75,000 in Erie equals $74,074 in Abilene.
Living in Abilene vs Erie
Housing Costs
Abilene's housing index of 58 is higher Erie's 55, translating to median home prices of $179,000 vs $165,000. The $14,000 difference in home prices means roughly $912 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $950/mo in Abilene compared to $925/mo in Erie, a monthly difference of $25.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 91 in Abilene and 97 in Erie. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $432/month in Abilene vs $461/month in Erie. Abilene offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $348/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Abilene and 109 in Erie. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Abilene vs $436 in Erie. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 96 in Abilene and 89 in Erie. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. Healthcare costs are relatively similar between these two cities, though individual plan costs can still vary.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $62,600 in Abilene and $43,400 in Erie. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $78,250 and $53,580 respectively. Abilene residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,461/month to housing in Abilene vs $1,013/month in Erie. In Abilene, median rent of $950/mo fits within this budget. In Erie, median rent of $925/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 24 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases