Chicago, IL vs Gary, IN: Cost of Living Comparison
Gary has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Chicago | Gary | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 98 | 56 | Gary |
| Housing | 91 ($966) | 24 ($683) | Gary |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 119 ($3.50) | Chicago |
| Food & groceries | 101 ($414) | 50 ($205) | Gary |
| Utilities | 96 ($164) | 62 ($43) | Gary |
| Healthcare | 96 ($118) | 62 ($31) | Gary |
| Median annual wage | 107 ($51,960) | 99 ($47,860) | Gary |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago, IL or Gary, IN cheaper to live in?
Gary, IN is cheaper overall by about 42 index points (Chicago, IL: 98, Gary, IN: 56; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Chicago, IL vs Gary, IN?
A single adult needs roughly $34,300/year in Chicago, IL and $19,600/year in Gary, IN to cover basic living costs.