Cost of Living in Gary, IN
Population 68,604 · Indiana · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Gary's median household income of $37,380 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (33% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 13.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Gary sits roughly 25 miles southeast of Chicago — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Chicago's $315,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Gary
The median home value in Gary is $85,300 — 72% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $975/month, 26% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,380/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. Indiana's top state income tax rate is 3.0% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. Overall, Gary has a cost of living index of 46 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 54% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Gary, IN?
Gary has a cost index of 46 (100 = national average). It is 54% below the national average.
What is average rent in Gary, IN?
The median gross rent in Gary is $975 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Gary?
The median home value in Gary is $85,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Gary?
The median household income in Gary is $37,380 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Gary, IN?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Gary is 7.0%. The Indiana state income tax top rate is 3.0%.
Is Gary, IN affordable?
Yes, Gary is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 46 — about 54% below the US national average of 100.
Gary at a Glance
- Population
- 68,604
- Median Income
- $37,380
- Home Value
- $85,300
- Median Rent
- $975/mo
- Unemployment
- 13.0%
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Indiana Rankings
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