2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Elgin, IL vs Gary, IN

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Highlights
Are people in Gary older or younger than people in Elgin?
- The Median Age in Gary is 2.1 years older than in Elgin.

Are housing costs cheaper in Gary or Elgin?
- Gary housing costs are 70.0% less expensive than Elgin housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Gary or Elgin?
- The average commute for residents of Gary is 1.4 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Elgin.

Things to do in Elgin?
Elgin, Illinois is a delightful city located in the northwest suburbs of the Chicago metropolitan area. Its many attractions make it an ideal place to live or visit. Visitors can explore local history and culture at the Elgin History Museum, shop downtown boutiques and galleries, and enjoy delicious cuisine in its many restaurants. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby parks and nature trails, while sports fans can cheer on their favorite teams at sporting events held Downtown Elgin. With its diverse offerings and friendly atmosphere, Elgin is a great destination for all ages – come see for yourself!

Things to do in Gary?
Gary, Indiana is a vibrant city located in the Northwestern region of the United States. Home to attractions such as Marquette Park and The Steel Yard, visitors can explore outdoor activities and historical sites when visiting Gary. There are also plenty of museums, galleries, and performance venues such as The Wave Foundation Art Gallery and The Lake Michigan Theatre Company.For entertainment, visitors can explore boutique shops and restaurants along with movie theaters and live music clubs. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting night out, Gary has something for everyone!

 Elgin, ILGary, INUnited States
 Population  Unlock69,739329,725,481
 Median Income$79,757  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.138.4
 Avg. Home Price$264,200  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock13.0%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time28.39  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Elgin    9 Reviews

When I first moved to Elgin 2 years ago I did not like it. I lived in a mobile home park near the river and highway 90 in a senior community that over prices it's lot  More

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Hi, as a way of updating the post for Elgin and providing a rebuttal for some of the negative reviews, I've decided to post on this board. I've lived in Elgin since  More

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Over 15 years ago

I have lived in Elgin my whole life and it is very sad to read these comments about my town.... I'm a senior at South Elgin High School and I will be graduating this  More

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Reviews for Gary    8 Reviews

Over 5 years ago

I've lived here for 5 years as a homeless gay drug addict, and I think this place is a real  More

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Over 10 years ago

Been here most of my life left and went to Air Force policies and elected residents are terrible not all there is a few that is really concerned but being that they say  More

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I lived in Gary in 1972 - 1976. I was just a kid but I loved Gary. My family moved to upstate NY and after college I moved to San Francisco, Ca. I will tell you this, I  More

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