Chattanooga vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 12% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $820/mo in Chattanooga — saving $1,020/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chattanooga | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $557 | $490 | $67 |
| 1 Bedroom | $669 | $592 | $77 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $820 | $735 | $85 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,035 | $930 | $105 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,226 | $984 | $242 |
| Median Income | $44,498 | $45,479 | $981 |
Chattanooga
- Studio
- $557/mo
- 1 BR
- $669/mo
- 2 BR
- $820/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,035/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,226/mo
- Median Income
- $44,498/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 Chattanooga or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $820/mo in Chattanooga. That's $85/mo or $1,020/year more expensive in Chattanooga (12% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chattanooga vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chattanooga is $820/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Chattanooga and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Chattanooga is $44,498/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Lake Charles has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chattanooga vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chattanooga is $557/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.