Cost of living in Gary
Gary, Indiana, is a city with a rich industrial history and a unique cultural landscape. Understanding the cost of living in Gary is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.5 to $6, imported beer $4 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.79 to $3.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.03 per liter, averaging $0.84.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.03.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $4, averaging $3.02.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.39 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.93 to $16.53 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.4 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $1.04 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.8, with a cost of $1.6 to $2.8 per km and $21 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $26,500 and $35,524.95, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $24,498.95 to $25,997.9.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3,000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2,000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $140 and $348, averaging $199.49.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $95, with an average cost of $73.25.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Gary, IN, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out can be budget-friendly, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variability in fresh produce costs. Transportation costs are manageable, particularly for those who drive.
Housing costs are reasonable, especially for those looking to purchase property. Utilities and internet services are competitively priced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gary, Indiana, presents a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordable dining, moderate grocery prices, and reasonable housing costs.
For potential residents, understanding these expenses can aid in making informed financial decisions and ensuring a comfortable lifestyle in Gary.