Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Gary, IN?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.4% cheaper than Gary, IN. This translates to saving $182 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Gary, IN, you'd need approximately $147,821.52 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Gary, IN and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 2.7% cheaper than in Gary, IN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $915/month in Gary, IN.

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

Moving from Gary, IN to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $182 per month, or $2178 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Gary, IN vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $182/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $147.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 2.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$182

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.2K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:98

Median Home:$512K

Gary, IN

The Hoosier State

68K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Gary, IN vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Gary, IN	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,545/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $261less	16.9%
📦Other	$1,616/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $91.14more	5.6%
🏠Housing	$2,538/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $69.10less	2.7%
⚡All Utilities	$498/mo	$546/mo	↑ $48.63more	9.8%
🏥Healthcare	$570/mo	$601/mo	↑ $30.61more	5.4%
🛒Groceries	$987/mo	$959/mo	↓ $27.69less	2.8%

🚗Transportation

↓ 16.9%

Gary, IN

$1,545

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$261

less

📦Other

↑ 5.6%

Gary, IN

$1,616

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$91.14

🏠Housing

↓ 2.7%

Gary, IN

$2,538

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$69.10

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.8%

Gary, IN

$498

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$48.63

🏥Healthcare

↑ 5.4%

Gary, IN

$570

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$30.61

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.8%

Gary, IN

$987

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$27.69

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

↑ $906

1 Bed

From$750

To$1,640

↑ $890

2 Bed

From$915

To$1,800

↑ $885

3 Bed

From$1,118

To$2,255

↑ $1,137

Gary, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $880–$1,160/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$187

Difference

Home Values

Gary

Raleigh

$80K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -4.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +47.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$54K - $141K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 536% more expensive than Gary

Calculate payment - Gary Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $2.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$190

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Gary, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.