Is Dallas, TX cheaper than Gary, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Dallas, TX is 1.6% more expensive than Gary, IN. This translates to spending an extra $120 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Gary, IN, you'd need approximately $151,443.026 in Dallas, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Dallas, TX is 5.8% cheaper than in Gary, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,765/month in Dallas, TX compared to $915/month in Gary, IN.

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

Living in Dallas, TX costs approximately $120 more per month than Gary, IN, or $1443 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gary, IN vs Dallas, 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 $120/month more in Dallas, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.4K in Dallas, TX

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

Overall Cost

↑ 1.6%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$120

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.4K

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

Dallas, TX

Population:1304K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$292K

Gary, IN

The Hoosier State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Dallas, TX

The Lone Star State

1.3M

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major business center
•No state income tax
•Big Tex home

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceEnergyTransportation

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gary, IN vs Dallas, TX

Category	Gary, IN	Dallas, TX	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,545/mo	$1,298/mo	↓ $247less	16.0%
📦Other	$1,616/mo	$1,774/mo	↑ $158more	9.8%
🏠Housing	$2,538/mo	$2,391/mo	↓ $147less	5.8%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$563/mo	↑ $65.02more	13.1%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$632/mo	↑ $61.59more	10.8%
🛒Groceries	$987/mo	$979/mo	↓ $7.71less	0.8%

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.0%

Gary, IN

$1,545

Dallas, TX

$1,298

Difference

$247

less

📦Other

↑ 9.8%

Gary, IN

$1,616

Dallas, TX

$1,774

Difference

$158

🏠Housing

↓ 5.8%

Gary, IN

$2,538

Dallas, TX

$2,391

Difference

$147

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 13.1%

Gary, IN

$498

Dallas, TX

$563

Difference

$65.02

🏥Healthcare

↑ 10.8%

Gary, IN

$570

Dallas, TX

$632

Difference

$61.59

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.8%

Gary, IN

$987

Dallas, TX

$979

Difference

$7.71

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Dallas, 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$1,450

↑ $786

1 Bed

From$750

To$1,505

↑ $755

2 Bed

From$915

To$1,765

↑ $850

3 Bed

From$1,118

To$2,220

↑ $1,102

Gary, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,160/mo

Dallas, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,040–$2,470/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

$7,637

Monthly in Dallas, TX

$117

Difference

Home Values

Gary

Dallas

$80K

Median Value

$292K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +27.1%

$54K - $141K

Price Range

$138K - $2.01M

Homes in Dallas are 263% more expensive than Gary

Calculate payment - Gary Calculate payment - Dallas

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

Dallas, 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%

Dallas, 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.