Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 66% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin — saving $5,844/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $849 | $490 | $359 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 | $592 | $431 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,222 | $735 | $487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,528 | $930 | $598 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,886 | $984 | $902 |
| Median Income | $79,852 | $45,479 | $34,373 |
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
- Studio
- $849/mo
- 1 BR
- $1,023/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,222/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,528/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,886/mo
- Median Income
- $79,852/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 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,222/mo in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin. That's $487/mo or $5,844/year more expensive in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin (66% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $1,222/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Chicago-Naperville-Elgin and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $79,852/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin is $849/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.