Erie vs Toledo
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Erie
Toledo
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 5.2%, with Toledo being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Erie has equivalent purchasing power to $71,296 in Toledo.
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 $71,296 in Toledo.
Conversely, $75,000 in Toledo equals $78,896 in Erie.
Living in Erie vs Toledo
Housing Costs
Erie's housing index of 55 is equal to Toledo's 55, translating to median home prices of $165,000 vs $128,000. The $37,000 difference in home prices means roughly $2,400 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $925/mo in Erie compared to $825/mo in Toledo, a monthly difference of $100.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 97 in Erie and 98 in Toledo. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $461/month in Erie vs $466/month in Toledo. 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 92 in Toledo. Monthly utility bills average approximately $436 in Erie vs $368 in Toledo. 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 84 in Toledo. 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 $43,400 in Erie and $42,200 in Toledo. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $53,580 and $54,805 respectively. Toledo 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 $985/month in Toledo. In Erie, median rent of $925/mo fits within this budget. In Toledo, median rent of $825/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Utilities, where the gap is 17 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
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