FairRentWize

Cedar Rapids vs Lake Charles

Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data

Quick Answer

Lake Charles is 9% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $800/mo in Cedar Rapids — saving $780/year.

Rent by Unit Size

Unit SizeCedar RapidsLake CharlesDifference
Studio$530$490$40
1 Bedroom$637$592$45
2 Bedrooms$800$735$65
3 Bedrooms$966$930$36
4 Bedrooms$1,168$984$184
Median Income$45,870$45,479$391

Cedar Rapids

Studio
$530/mo
1 BR
$637/mo
2 BR
$800/mo
3 BR
$966/mo
4 BR
$1,168/mo
Median Income
$45,870/yr
Full Cedar Rapids profile →

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
Full Lake Charles profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cedar Rapids or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $800/mo in Cedar Rapids. That's $65/mo or $780/year more expensive in Cedar Rapids (9% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Cedar Rapids vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Cedar Rapids is $800/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Cedar Rapids and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Cedar Rapids is $45,870/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Cedar Rapids has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Cedar Rapids vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Cedar Rapids is $530/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.