Erie vs Memphis for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Erie Pennsylvania | Memphis Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $900Better | $900 |
| 2BR rent / month | $1,450 | $1,400Better |
| Median home price | $180KBetter | $200K |
| Median household income | $47KBetter | $42K |
| Est. childcare / month | $1,092 | $1,079Better |
| State income tax | 3.1% | NoneBetter |
| Sales tax (combined) | 6%Better | 9.8% |
| Monthly utilities | $168Better | $170 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 96 | 94Better |
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Erie or Memphis?
Erie and Memphis are closely matched for families overall. Housing costs, income levels, and taxes are comparable. Your specific priorities — school quality, commute, outdoor space — should drive the decision.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Erie vs Memphis?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $1,450/month in Erie and $1,400/month in Memphis. Memphis is 3% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Erie or Memphis?
The price-to-income ratio in Erie is 3.8× ($180K median home, $47K median income). In Memphis it's 4.8× ($200K home, $42K income). A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable — Erie is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.
How much does childcare cost in Erie vs Memphis?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $1,092/month in Erie and $1,079/month in Memphis, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$156/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Erie has a 3.1% state income tax rate vs Memphis has no state income tax. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $310/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Erie has the same purchasing power as $99K in Memphis
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026