Chico vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 44% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico — saving $3,888/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Chico | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $698 | $490 | $208 |
| 1 Bedroom | $859 | $592 | $267 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,059 | $735 | $324 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,354 | $930 | $424 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,491 | $984 | $507 |
| Median Income | $66,884 | $45,479 | $21,405 |
Chico
- Studio
- $698/mo
- 1 BR
- $859/mo
- 2 BR
- $1,059/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,354/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,491/mo
- Median Income
- $66,884/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 Chico or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $1,059/mo in Chico. That's $324/mo or $3,888/year more expensive in Chico (44% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Chico vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Chico is $1,059/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Chico and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Chico is $66,884/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Chico has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Chico vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Chico is $698/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.