Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 20% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $882/mo in Baton Rouge — saving $1,764/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Baton Rouge | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $586 | $490 | $96 |
| 1 Bedroom | $697 | $592 | $105 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $882 | $735 | $147 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,039 | $930 | $109 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,260 | $984 | $276 |
| Median Income | $47,944 | $45,479 | $2,465 |
Baton Rouge
- Studio
- $586/mo
- 1 BR
- $697/mo
- 2 BR
- $882/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,039/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,260/mo
- Median Income
- $47,944/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 Baton Rouge or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $882/mo in Baton Rouge. That's $147/mo or $1,764/year more expensive in Baton Rouge (20% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Baton Rouge is $882/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Baton Rouge and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Baton Rouge is $47,944/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Baton Rouge has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Baton Rouge vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Baton Rouge is $586/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.