Cost of Living in Gary, IN (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $736/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $38,731
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 93.3 (below national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $158/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 23% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $392
- Monthly surplus
- $2,464
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $2,837
- Comfortable budget
- $1,986
Gary, IN vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $38,731 | -50% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $94,700 | -72% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $736 | -43% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $937 | -36% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 95.5 | -4% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $158 | -23% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Gary
At $736 per month for a one-bedroom, Gary sits well below the national median of $1,300 (43% less). The median household income here is $38,731, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 23% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $94,700 is about 2.4× median income, under the 3× rule of thumb that signals affordable ownership. That's 72% below the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities are relatively low at about $158/month — 23% below the national average of $205. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Gary?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Gary, IN — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/gary-in
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.