Side-by-side comparison of home prices, mortgage payments, and housing costs between Erie and Scranton, Pennsylvania. Using Pennsylvania's 1.36% property tax rate and $1,400/year insurance. Updated for 2026.
Erie edges out Scranton in affordability, saving you roughly $72/month on total housing costs. Both cities are in Pennsylvania, so property tax rates and insurance costs are the same — the difference comes down to home prices and what you get for your money in each market.
Estimated PITI payments assuming 10% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed mortgage with PMI. Uses Pennsylvania's 1.36% property tax rate.
Buying in Erie saves you approximately $72/month ($864/year) compared to Scranton, based on median home prices with identical loan terms.
Erie is the better choice for first-time buyers, with a median price of $145K versus $155K in Scranton. That's $10K less to save for a down payment. You'd need roughly $5K for an FHA 3.5% down payment in Erie, compared to $5K in Scranton. Pennsylvania offers the PHFA Keystone Advantage program (Up to $6,000 DPA) which applies in both cities.
Scranton has the better price-to-rent ratio at 13.6x versus 13.7x in Erie. A lower ratio generally signals better rental income relative to purchase price. Average rent in Scranton is $950/month on a $155K median home, making it a stronger candidate for buy-and-rent investors.
Erie (pop. 94,831) offers more amenities, schools, and services typical of a larger city, while Scranton (pop. 76,997) may offer a quieter, more community-oriented lifestyle. Erie offers both more options and lower housing costs, making it attractive for families who want urban amenities without a premium price.