Athens-Clarke County vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 21% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $891/mo in Athens-Clarke County — saving $1,872/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Athens-Clarke County | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $596 | $490 | $106 |
| 1 Bedroom | $714 | $592 | $122 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $891 | $735 | $156 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,137 | $930 | $207 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,198 | $984 | $214 |
| Median Income | $52,645 | $45,479 | $7,166 |
Athens-Clarke County
- Studio
- $596/mo
- 1 BR
- $714/mo
- 2 BR
- $891/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,137/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,198/mo
- Median Income
- $52,645/yr
Lake Charles
- Studio
- $490/mo
- 1 BR
- $592/mo
- 2 BR
- $735/mo
- 3 BR
- $930/mo
- 4 BR
- $984/mo
- Median Income
- $45,479/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Athens-Clarke County or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $891/mo in Athens-Clarke County. That's $156/mo or $1,872/year more expensive in Athens-Clarke County (21% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Athens-Clarke County is $891/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Athens-Clarke County and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Athens-Clarke County is $52,645/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Athens-Clarke County has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Athens-Clarke County vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Athens-Clarke County is $596/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.