City Comparison
Gary vs Dallas
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Dallas scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gary
Dallas
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
24% lower than in Dallas.
Housing costs are a major driver: Gary's average rent is
33% lower than Dallas's.
| Metric | Gary | Dallas | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $1,412 | -33% |
| Groceries | $380 | $450 | -16% |
| Utilities | $175 | $281 | -38% |
| Transport | $110 | $126 | -13% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $135 | +63% |
| Monthly Total | $1,835 | $2,404 | -24% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 101 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Dallas offers 26% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Dallas delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gary is estimated at
$42,000 vs $96,970 in Dallas.
| Metric | Gary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $60,900 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $96,970 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,878 idx | 60,297 idx |
| Household Income | $37,500 | $70,518 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Gary runs warmer on average — a 51.7°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Gary comes out ahead with 265 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Gary sees 30.7 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Gary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 51.70°F | °F |
| Summer High | 81.10°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 19.60°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 32.30 in | in |
| Snowfall | 30.70 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 265 | |
| Humidity | 70.00% | 65.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
Dallas scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Dallas leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 26 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 55.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 60.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 41.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Dallas is the larger city
— approximately 0.1x the population of Gary.
From a growth perspective, Dallas is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Dallas has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gary | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,093 | 1,336,440 |
| Pop. Growth | — | 0.52% |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 33.4 |
| Unemployment | 6.20% | 4.30% |
| GDP | — | — |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Gary
Advantages
Median home prices in Gary are significantly lower than the national average, per recent Zillow and Redfin housing market data.
Strategic geographic location offers direct proximity to Chicago via major rail and interstate transportation corridors.
Abundant natural recreational assets, including direct access to Lake Michigan beaches and proximity to the Indiana Dunes National Park.
Exceptional industrial and logistics infrastructure, anchored by the Gary/Chicago International Airport and major freight rail lines.
Rich cultural history and community legacy as a prominent center for music, arts, and civil rights history in the Midwest.
Drawbacks
Violent and property crime rates remain higher than the national median, according to FBI crime reporting data.
High concentration of vacant properties and urban blight presents ongoing challenges for municipal redevelopment.
Median household income trails behind state and national averages, reflecting post-industrial economic transitions.
Aging municipal infrastructure requires continuous capital investment for modernization and maintenance.
Limited local retail and dining options within city limits compared to adjacent suburban and metropolitan municipalities.
Dallas
Advantages
Violent crime in Dallas dropped by 12% in 2025, indicating an improving safety landscape.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is a leader in economic growth, ranking highly for job creation and business investment.
Dallas is recognized as a top city for dining out, offering affordable options for mid-range meals.
Texas has no state income tax, which can lead to higher take-home pay for residents.
The city boasts a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, ranking 27th globally for startups in 2026.
Drawbacks
Property crime remains a significant challenge in Dallas, particularly in certain neighborhoods.
Utility costs in Dallas are higher than the national average, primarily due to electricity expenses.
Dallas experiences notable traffic congestion, with commuters spending considerable time in traffic.
Despite overall metro growth, the city of Dallas experienced a slight population decline in 2025.
While public transit exists, high car dependency is a reality for navigating the sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Gary
#593Indiana, USA
42.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$45,000
Cost Index
82
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
42.0/100
Walkability
45.0/100
Sunny Days
265/yr
Avg Temp
51.70°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
6.20%
Livability
53
Business
48
Dallas
#525Texas, USA
50.7 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,412
Avg Salary
$60,900
Cost Index
101
Commute
26 min
Transit Score
55.0/100
Walkability
60.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.52%
Unemployment
4.30%
Livability
80
Business
88
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