City Comparison
Gary vs Toledo
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Toledo scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Gary
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Gary is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run about
7% lower than in Toledo.
| Metric | Gary | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $950 | $950 | 0% |
| Groceries | $380 | $342 | +11% |
| Utilities | $175 | $295 | -41% |
| Transport | $110 | $180 | -39% |
| Healthcare | $220 | $200 | +10% |
| Monthly Total | $1,835 | $1,967 | -7% |
| Cost Index | 82 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Toledo offers 37% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Toledo delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Gary is estimated at
$42,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Gary | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $45,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $42,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 54,878 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $37,500 | $49,724 |
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 | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| 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% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
3,000 minutes (50 hours) per year compared to Gary.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Gary | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 26 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 42.0/100 | 45.0/100 |
| Walkability | 45.0/100 | 46.0/100 |
| Traffic Index | 38.00 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | Medium | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Toledo is the larger city
— approximately 0.3x the population of Gary.
From a growth perspective, Gary is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Toledo has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Gary | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,093 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | — | — |
| Median Age | 39.0 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 6.20% | 4.40% |
| 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.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
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
Toledo
#590Ohio, USA
43.5 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/100
Walkability
46.0/100
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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