Erie vs Madison

Category-by-Category Breakdown

Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable

Salary Equivalence

A $75,000 salary in Erie has the same purchasing power as $98,148 in Madison.

Conversely, $75,000 in Madison equals $57,311 in Erie.

Living in Erie vs Madison

Housing Costs

Erie's housing index of 55 is lower Madison's 115, translating to median home prices of $165,000 vs $340,000. The $175,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,376 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $925/mo in Erie compared to $1,400/mo in Madison, a monthly difference of $475.

Grocery & Food Costs

Grocery expenses index at 97 in Erie and 101 in Madison. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Erie vs $480/month in Madison. 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 109 in Erie and 97 in Madison. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Erie vs $388 in Madison. 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 89 in Erie and 105 in Madison. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 16-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.

Income & Purchasing Power

Median household income is $43,400 in Erie and $67,565 in Madison. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,580 and $63,741 respectively. Madison residents come out ahead in real purchasing power.

Relocation Considerations

Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $1,013/month to housing in Erie vs $1,577/month in Madison. In Erie, median rent of $925/mo fits within this budget. In Madison, median rent of $1,400/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 60 index points — focus your budget analysis there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving & Relocation Resources

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