Bismarck vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 11% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $817/mo in Bismarck — saving $984/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Bismarck | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $555 | $490 | $65 |
| 1 Bedroom | $667 | $592 | $75 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $817 | $735 | $82 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,020 | $930 | $90 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,141 | $984 | $157 |
| Median Income | $52,444 | $45,479 | $6,965 |
Bismarck
- Studio
- $555/mo
- 1 BR
- $667/mo
- 2 BR
- $817/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,020/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,141/mo
- Median Income
- $52,444/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 Bismarck or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $817/mo in Bismarck. That's $82/mo or $984/year more expensive in Bismarck (11% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Bismarck vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Bismarck is $817/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Bismarck and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Bismarck is $52,444/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Bismarck has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Bismarck vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Bismarck is $555/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.