Is Austin, TX cheaper than Gary, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 3.6% more expensive than Gary, IN. This translates to spending an extra $271 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Gary, IN?

If you earn $150,000 in Gary, IN, you'd need approximately $153,253.779 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gary, IN and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 13.7% more expensive than in Gary, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $915/month in Gary, IN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Gary, IN to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $271 more per month than Gary, IN, or $3254 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gary, IN vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Gary, IN — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in Gary, IN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $271/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.3K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↑ 3.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$271

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Gary, IN

Population:68K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$80K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$558K

Gary, IN

The Hoosier State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 68K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gary, IN vs Austin, TX

Category	Gary, IN	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,538/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $347more	13.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,545/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $261less	16.9%
📦Other	$1,616/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $125more	7.7%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$541/mo	↑ $43.17more	8.7%
🛒Groceries	$987/mo	$959/mo	↓ $27.69less	2.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$589/mo	↑ $18.22more	3.2%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.7%

Gary, IN

$2,538

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$347

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.9%

Gary, IN

$1,545

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$261

less

📦Other

↑ 7.7%

Gary, IN

$1,616

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$125

⚡All Utilities

↑ 8.7%

Gary, IN

$498

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$43.17

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Gary, IN

$987

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$27.69

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.2%

Gary, IN

$570

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$18.22

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Gary, IN: Lake County Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

Austin, TX has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$664

To$1,585

↑ $921

1 Bed

From$750

To$1,685

↑ $935

2 Bed

From$915

To$1,995

↑ $1,080

3 Bed

From$1,118

To$2,525

↑ $1,407

Gary, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,160/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,754

Monthly in Gary, IN

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$244

Difference

Home Values

Gary

Austin

$80K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$54K - $141K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Homes in Austin are 594% more expensive than Gary

Calculate payment - Gary Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$404

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Gary, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Gary, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.