Columbia vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 26% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia — saving $2,304/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbia | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $644 | $490 | $154 |
| 1 Bedroom | $771 | $592 | $179 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $927 | $735 | $192 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,178 | $930 | $248 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,341 | $984 | $357 |
| Median Income | $53,072 | $45,479 | $7,593 |
Columbia
- Studio
- $644/mo
- 1 BR
- $771/mo
- 2 BR
- $927/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,178/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,341/mo
- Median Income
- $53,072/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 Columbia or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $927/mo in Columbia. That's $192/mo or $2,304/year more expensive in Columbia (26% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbia vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbia is $927/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbia and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Columbia is $53,072/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Columbia has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbia vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbia is $644/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.