Salary Needed to Live in Erie as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $103,242/year to live comfortably in Erie, PA, including 15% savings.
Direct Answer
A family with kids needs about $103,242/year to live comfortably in Erie, PA. The bare-minimum salary is $81,733/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 15% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $5,997.
The minimum scenario leaves about $4,904/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $8,604/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$103,242
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$81,733
$6,811/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$4,904
31% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Erie
| Expense | Erie | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $1,131 | $2,509 | -55% |
| Groceries | $514 | $528 | -3% |
| Utilities | $270 | $337 | -20% |
| Transportation | $314 | $526 | -40% |
| Car Insurance | $182 | $229 | -21% |
| Health Insurance | $582 | $690 | -16% |
| Childcare/After-school | $984 | $1,200 | -18% |
| Internet + Phones | $148 | $180 | -18% |
| Children Activities | $205 | $250 | -18% |
| Dining Out | $287 | $350 | -18% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $123 | $150 | -18% |
| Total Monthly | $4,904 | $7,149 | -31% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$4,904
Target savings (15%):$1,093/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$5,997
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$103,242
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$1,131
3BR Apartment/House rent is 23% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus PA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
15%
$1,093/mo is reserved for savings so the salary is not just break-even.
Local index
82/100
Erie is below the national baseline; the model adjusts baseline spending by local rent and cost data.
Compare Salary Needed in Nearby northeast Cities
Salary Planning Checklist
- Keep 3br apartment/house housing near $1,131/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $1,911/mo for persona-specific costs such as Childcare/After-school and Internet + Phones.
- Use $81,733/year as the survival floor and $103,242/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Erie
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Erie?
A family with kids needs approximately $103,242/year ($8,604/month gross) to live comfortably in Erie with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Erie?
A 3br apartment/house in Erie costs approximately $1,131/month, which is the largest single expense at 23% of the total budget.
Is Erie affordable for a family with kids?
Yes, Erie is 31% more affordable than the national average for a family with kids.