Salary Needed to Live in Erie as a Retiree
A retired individual (65+) needs approximately $44,848/year to live comfortably in Erie, PA, including 5% savings.
Direct Answer
A retiree needs about $44,848/year to live comfortably in Erie, PA. The bare-minimum salary is $41,733/year, but the comfortable figure includes a 5% savings target and a monthly after-tax budget of $2,646.
The minimum scenario leaves about $2,504/mo after tax and no planned savings. The comfortable scenario uses $3,737/mo gross pay to cover expenses, taxes, and a savings buffer.
Hybrid salary estimateBLS, HUD, ACS inputsLast verified May 2026
Comfortable Salary
$44,848
with 5% savings
Bare Minimum
$41,733
$3,478/mo gross, no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$2,504
33% below national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Retiree in Erie
| Expense | Erie | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2BR Senior-Friendly Rent | $653 | $1,448 | -55% |
| Groceries | $184 | $189 | -3% |
| Utilities | $146 | $183 | -20% |
| Transportation | $126 | $211 | -40% |
| Car Insurance | $182 | $229 | -21% |
| Health Insurance | $582 | $690 | -16% |
| Medicare Supplement | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Prescription Drugs | $123 | $150 | -18% |
| Internet + Phone | $98 | $120 | -18% |
| Recreation & Social | $164 | $200 | -18% |
| Home Maintenance | $82 | $100 | -18% |
| Total Monthly | $2,504 | $3,720 | -33% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$2,504
Target savings (5%):$142/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$2,646
Effective tax rate:28%
Gross annual salary needed:$44,848
What Drives the Salary Number?
Housing
$653
1-2BR Senior-Friendly rent is 26% of this monthly budget.
Taxes
28%
Estimated federal plus PA state tax reserve used to convert take-home needs into gross salary.
Savings target
5%
$142/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 1-2br senior-friendly housing near $653/mo or adjust the salary target upward.
- Budget $631/mo for persona-specific costs such as Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drugs.
- Use $41,733/year as the survival floor and $44,848/year as the healthier negotiation target.
Other Household Types in Erie
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a retiree need in Erie?
A retiree needs approximately $44,848/year ($3,737/month gross) to live comfortably in Erie with a 5% savings rate.
How much is rent for a retiree in Erie?
A 1-2br senior-friendly in Erie costs approximately $653/month, which is the largest single expense at 26% of the total budget.
Is Erie affordable for a retiree?
Yes, Erie is 33% more affordable than the national average for a retiree.