Amarillo vs Erie
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Amarillo
Erie
The Verdict
Living in Amarillo costs 8.6% less than Erie. To match the purchasing power of a $75,000 salary in Amarillo, you would need $82,095 in Erie.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Amarillo has the same purchasing power as $82,095 in Erie.
Conversely, $75,000 in Erie equals $68,519 in Amarillo.
Living in Amarillo vs Erie
Housing Costs
Amarillo's housing index of 59 is higher Erie's 55, translating to median home prices of $195,000 vs $165,000. The $30,000 difference in home prices means roughly $1,956 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $975/mo in Amarillo compared to $925/mo in Erie, a monthly difference of $50.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 92 in Amarillo and 97 in Erie. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $437/month in Amarillo vs $461/month in Erie. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 94 in Amarillo and 109 in Erie. Monthly utility bills average approximately $376 in Amarillo 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 104 in Amarillo and 89 in Erie. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 15-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $58,500 in Amarillo and $43,400 in Erie. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $79,054 and $53,580 respectively. Amarillo residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,365/month to housing in Amarillo vs $1,013/month in Erie. In Amarillo, median rent of $975/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 38 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases