In short
Erie charges a local tax on a home sale: City of Erie + Erie School District realty transfer tax. On the median owner-occupied home ($135,200), local taxes come to $1,352; with the Pennsylvania state tax of $1,352, the total is $2,704, or 2% of the price.
Median value: $135,200 median value of owner-occupied homes, Erie city, Pennsylvania (Census ACS 2024 1-year, table B25077). It is an owner estimate, not a sale price.
What you pay at different prices
| Price | City of Erie + Erie School District realty transfer tax | Pennsylvania state tax | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| $135,200 median home | $1,352 | $1,352 | $2,704 |
| $300,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 |
| $500,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $10,000 |
| $1,000,000 | $10,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
Before exemptions and credits (first-time buyers, transfers between relatives…), which are listed below when the source gives them. The tax due on your deed is the one the recorder computes.
The rates, tax by tax
City of Erie + Erie School District realty transfer tax
1% local, shared by the City of Erie and the Erie School District; 2% total with the Commonwealth's 1%.
Exemptions: Generally the transfer of real estate between family member is exempt, such as a transfer between husband and wife, children of the same parent and lineal ascendants /descendants.
In force: In force (Treasurer page read October 2026). Source: City of Erie - City Treasurer (Tax Information).
Questions
How much local transfer tax do you pay on a median home in Erie?
$1,352 on $135,200, the median value of owner-occupied homes (Census ACS). Payotte computes it from the rates published by the official sources cited on the page.
Is the local tax on top of the Pennsylvania tax?
Yes. The local taxes listed here are added to the Pennsylvania state transfer tax.
General information drawn from the official sources cited and dated on this page. It is not legal, tax or financial advice: for your own situation, ask a licensed professional.