Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Gary, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 12.5% cheaper than Gary, IN. This translates to saving $936 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Gary, IN, you'd need approximately $138,767.755 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gary, IN and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 23.2% cheaper than in Gary, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $915/month in Gary, IN.

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

Moving from Gary, IN to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $936 per month, or $11232 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gary, IN vs Indianapolis, IN: 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 save $936/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.8K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$936

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.2K

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

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:88

Median Home:$176K

Gary, IN

The Hoosier State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gary, IN vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Gary, IN	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,538/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $589less	23.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,545/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $357less	23.1%
🛒Groceries	$987/mo	$919/mo	↓ $67.66less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,616/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $26.04less	1.6%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$582/mo	↑ $12.03more	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$503/mo	↑ $4.92more	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 23.2%

Gary, IN

$2,538

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$589

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 23.1%

Gary, IN

$1,545

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$357

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.9%

Gary, IN

$987

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$67.66

less

📦Other

↓ 1.6%

Gary, IN

$1,616

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$26.04

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Gary, IN

$570

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$12.03

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.0%

Gary, IN

$498

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$4.92

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Net difference+$780/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$664

To$1,030

↑ $366

1 Bed

From$750

To$1,170

↑ $420

2 Bed

From$915

To$1,360

↑ $445

3 Bed

From$1,118

To$1,760

↑ $642

Gary, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,160/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/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

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,022

Difference

Home Values

Gary

Indianapolis

$80K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$54K - $141K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 119% more expensive than Gary

Calculate payment - Gary Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Indianapolis, 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

Additional Tax Information

Gary, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.