Columbus vs Lake Charles
Fair Market Rent Comparison — HUD 2025 Data
Quick Answer
Lake Charles is 29% cheaper for renters. A 2-bedroom rents for $735/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus — saving $2,592/year.
Rent by Unit Size
| Unit Size | Columbus | Lake Charles | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $608 | $490 | $118 |
| 1 Bedroom | $764 | $592 | $172 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $951 | $735 | $216 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,108 | $930 | $178 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,375 | $984 | $391 |
| Median Income | $63,239 | $45,479 | $17,760 |
Columbus
- Studio
- $608/mo
- 1 BR
- $764/mo
- 2 BR
- $951/mo
- 3 BR
- $1,108/mo
- 4 BR
- $1,375/mo
- Median Income
- $63,239/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 Columbus or Lake Charles cheaper to rent in?
Lake Charles is cheaper — a 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $735/mo vs $951/mo in Columbus. That's $216/mo or $2,592/year more expensive in Columbus (29% higher).
What is the 2-bedroom rent in Columbus vs Lake Charles?
The HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Columbus is $951/month. In Lake Charles, a 2-bedroom FMR is $735/month.
How do incomes compare between Columbus and Lake Charles?
The median household income in Columbus is $63,239/year. In Lake Charles it is $45,479/year. Columbus has the higher median income.
What is the studio rent in Columbus vs Lake Charles?
A studio apartment Fair Market Rent in Columbus is $608/mo. In Lake Charles it is $490/mo.